by Tami Port MS

Created on: August 10, 2009   Last Updated: December 13, 2009

In the spring of 2009, a new H1N1 swine flu virus emerged. This flu virus was considered "novel" because it had previously only infected animals. Then it made the jump to humans. But if you, or a family member, come down with symptoms of influenza this flu season, how do you know if it is H1N1?

* Signs and Symptoms of Novel H1N1 Viral Infection *

The symptoms of swine flu in humans include:

* Fever
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Body aches
* Headache
* Chills
* Fatigue
* And sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Sounds an awful lot like symptoms of the seasonal flu, doesn't it? But while seasonal influenza is most dangerous to the elderly, the novel H1N1 virus tends to be more of a threat to children and young adults. Although younger people are at higher risk, about 70% of those who have been hospitalized with the novel H1N1 virus have had preexisting medical conditions (pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease) that made them particularly vulnerable to flu-related complications.

* What to Do If You Think You Have Swine Flu *

Seasonal flu can last a week or longer. A person infected with the influenza virus is contagious from about 24 hours before symptoms appear, and then for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, although infants and young children may remain contagious for a longer period of time. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expects that the new H1N1 swine flu will have the same incubation period and length of infection.

If you develop flu-like symptoms:

* Stay home, and away from others, as much as possible.
* Phone your health care provider's office, to inform them that you are ill, and to discuss your symptoms and care.
* Do not go to work or school.
* If you must go out to get medical care, or other necessities, wear a face mask, and cover your coughs and sneezes with fabric or tissue.
* Do not sneeze into your bare hands.

* What to Do If You Become Seriously Ill With Swine Flu *

If the novel H1N1 swine flu virus does not become more virulent, and causes the same type of symptoms as seen this past spring, it is expected that most people will recover without the need for medical treatment. However, if you develop swine flu and have severe symptoms, or if you are at high risk for complications, your doctor may recommend that you seek additional medical care. Testing for the novel H1N1 virus is available, and your health care provider can determine if you need to be tested, if you require antiviral drugs, and if you should be hospitalized.

See the CDC's page on What to Do If You Get Flu-like Symptoms for a list of signs and symptoms of severe swine flu illness in children and adults, as well as for general information and updates on the novel H1N1 virus. Also take time to learn about the difference between novel H1N1 swine flu and seasonal influenza.

* Sources *

The majority of information in this article was obtained by researching the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) and World Health Organization's (WHO) information on swine flu available as of August, 09, 2009.

Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.

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