Symptoms of Swine flu (H1N1 flu)

Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Swine flu signs and symptoms in humans are similar to those of other flu strains:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Swine flu symptoms develop about one to three days after you're exposed to the virus and continue for about seven days.

When to see a doctor

It's not necessary to see a doctor if you're generally healthy and develop flu signs and symptoms, such as fever, cough and body aches. Call your doctor, however, if you have flu symptoms and you're pregnant or you have a chronic disease, such as emphysema or a heart condition.

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Good Habits to Keep You Healthy

Good Habits to Keep You Healthy

Follow these tips to stay healthy and keep others healthy this flu season:

• Wash your hands frequently: during the flu season. You may use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rinse (alcohol rinses are available at all pharmacies and should contain at least 60 percent alcohol). Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.Viruses are often spread after a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick. If your coworker is ill, steer clear of his or her sneezes and coughs. When possible, avoid shaking hands with someone who is ill with a respiratory infection. If you are caring for an ill family member, wash your hands frequently and minimize proximity to his or her face.

• Cover your mouth or tuck it into your elbow when coughing or sneezing and encourage others to do so. Wash your hands afterward

• Stay home if you have a respiratory infectionwhen possible. A rough guideline is to stay home 24 hours after fever resolves off medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Tips for Treating Flue

Intro: 

Unlike some other infections, when the flu is uncomplicated, it doesn't usually require medical treatment.

Occasionally, doctors prescribe an antiviral medicine if symptoms are reported within 48 hours of onset. But these usually are used only when a child is at risk for serious complications, and they typically shorten the course of the infection by just 1 or 2 days.

To help your child feel better in the meantime:

• Offer plenty of fluids (fever, which can be associated with the flu, can lead to dehydration). If your child is tired of drinking plain water, try ice pops, icy drinks mixed in a blender, and soft fruits (like melons or grapes) to maintain hydration.
• Encourage your child to rest in bed or on the couch with a supply of magazines, books, quiet music, and perhaps a favorite movie.
• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and pains (but do not give aspirin unless your doctor directs you to do so).
• Dress your child in layers so you can add and remove layers during bouts of chills or fever.
• Ask a close relative or faraway friend to call and help lift your child's spirits.
• Take care of yourself and the other people in your family! If you haven't done so, ask your doctor whether you (and other family members) should get a flu shot. Also, wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after picking up used tissues.

If your doctor recommends a prescription medicine to ease symptoms, be sure to call before you go to the pharmacy. Because the flu can strongly affect many areas of the United States, some pharmacies might have difficulty keeping certain medicines in stock.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD