Preschool children, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of serious complications if being infected with the novel H1N1 flu virus. However, there have been cases of serious complications and even death in people who were healthy before the infection with the swine flu virus. Besides that the WHO reports that the clinical picture in severer cases of swine flu greatly distinguishes itself from the patterns of the seasonal flu. Thus virtually everyone is at risk of serious complications if being infected with the  novel H1N1 flu virus which spreads very easily and quickly.

The signs and symptoms of swine flu are very similar to those in seasonal flu and start quite suddenly: extreme cold and chilling sensation, high fever, headache, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, muscle ache, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting. The swine flu symptoms develop three to five days after the infection and continue about eight days. So far the majority of people who were infected with the novel H1N1 virus recovered but it is highly important to seek medical assistance if developing the following symptoms:

- difficulty breathing
- shortness of breath
- confusion
- bluish skin color
- severe or persistent vomiting
You should immediately contact your doctor if suspecting you have a flu if being pregnant or if having chronic medical condition.

It is impossible to determine whether you are infected with the swine flu or seasonal flu on basis on signs and symptoms alone. Only laboratory tests can confirm the novel H1N1 virus infection.

Related posts:

1. Swine Flu – What is swine flu
2. Swine Flu Vaccines – Safety and efficacy of the vaccines against the novel H1N1 flu virus
3. Stomach Flu – FAQ’s about stomach flu
4. Types of Flu – Stains (types) of influenzaviruses
5. Flu Symptoms – Signs and symptoms of flu
6. About Flu – FAQ’s about flu
7. Flu Remedies – Self-care measures and remedies for relieving flu symptoms
8. Flu Prevention – Useful tips how to prevent getting flu
9. Common Cold Symptoms – Common signs and symptoms of cold
10. Common Cold Treatment – Over-the-counter medications for alleviation the symptoms of common cold

This entry was posted on Friday, December 25th, 2009 at 10:55 am and is filed under Flu. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.