What Are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?

So what are the symptoms of swine flu? One of the symptoms of the swine flu is a lack of fever. The very high fevers associated with other types of flu are not present in the swine flu. With most flu strains, fever tends to linger around 100 degrees for three or four days.

However, many cases of the swine flu are leaving its sufferers with no fever. The lack of a fever is a boon to the sick person because a fever feels so bad, but the normal temperature may allow people to think that the flu is not present but that they are merely suffering from a common cold. Remember that with fevers often come chills.

Lethargy

Lethargy is another symptom of the swine flu, and of the normal seasonal flu, as well. Lethargy is that overwhelming lack of energy that accompanies this illness. People with swine flu have no desire to do anything because they are simply too tired. Even the smallest task feels like a lot of work. Lethargy is especially noticeable in children, who normally appear to have boundless energy.

Body Aches and Pains

Another hallmark symptom of the swine flu (and seasonal flu) is body aches and pains. With the flu, body aches and pains can be quite severe, making the flu patient feel really terrible. With colds, people may or may not have mild aches and pains, and if they do, they are generally mild.

Lack of Appetite

Another symptom includes a lack of appetite. When someone has the swine flu, he or she has no interest in eating. It is important that people take in some nutritious, particularly liquids. If you or a loved one has the swine flu, try to eat small, simple foods. If the flu sufferer also has a fever, liquids are especially important so dehydration can be avoided.

Coughing

Coughing is yet another symptom, though sneezing is not. Sneezing indicates a cold or allergies, but not the flu. A flu cough is non-productive, meaning that the cough does not produce mucus. Colds often have hacking, productive (mucus-producing) coughs. If the swine flu is left untreated, it may lead to pneumonia.

Fast Onset of Symptoms

Another symptom of colds is the speed at which the symptoms begin. With a cold, the symptoms develop over a period of days. For example, yesterday your throat was scratchy, today your nose is running, and tomorrow, you may be sneezing.

With the swine flu, the illness sets in rapidly within three to six hours. When you wake up in the morning, you could be feeling fine. By noon, you could be feeling terrible with all of the swine flu symptoms and tucked away in your bed trying to recover.

Know the Symptoms

Other symptoms of the swine flu include headache (very common), sore throat (less common), and chest discomfort. These symptoms are also present with the common cold, but when found in conjunction with the other symptoms may indicate the swine flu.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Fever (possibly)
Lethargy
Aches and pains
Lack of appetite
Coughing
Rapid onset of symptoms

Recognize the signs so you can get proper care for yourself and your loved ones if the flu comes to you. Take care to prevent the spread of flu; wash your hands often, avoid people who have the flu, and keep your hands away from your face. A few simple steps could keep you feeling fine this swine flu season.