Swine flu: Signs and Symptoms You Probably Don't Know About

As like other flu viruses, swine flu is circulating in the animal and human environment. We know that avian flu is caused by flu viruses adapted for infections in birds, and similarly, swine flu is caused by flu viruses adapted for infections in pigs. Spanish flu, avian flu and swine flu for instance, can lead sufferers to severe respiratory symptoms and can be transmitted between one another very quickly.

In swine herds (pigs or hogs), the symptoms of swine flu include fever, inactivity, nasal discharge, labored breathing, mouth breathing, and paroxysmal coughing (source). The symptoms of swine flu in humans can look very similar to the symptoms of common seasonal flu infection as listed below:

• Body ache
• Headache
• Chills
• Fever (> 100.4 F) usually lasts 2-3 days
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Sore throat
• Feeling lethargic
• Sleeping a lot

Emergency Alert: Please Take Immediate Action

If you observe the listed warning signs in children, please seek medical attention immediately.

• Fever with a rash
• Not interacting or not waking up
• The child feels irritable and doesn't want to be held
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing bluish skin color or. Not drinking enough fluids.
• Flu-like symptoms (FIS) improve but then recur with worse cough and fever (source)

If you observe the listed warning signs in adults, please seek medical attention immediately.

• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Pressure or pain in the chest or abdomen
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing   (source)

Additional alarming signs for pandemic flu: (1) bleeding from rectum or mouth, (2) stomach and intestinal related illnesses (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and (3) cytokines storm (or a trigger lethal immune response).

Warning: People with SIV infection up to 7 days following illness onset are considered to be potentially contagious; however, in younger children the SIV infection might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Now, you can gain more health knowledge by visiting my health blog entitled HealthAssist. More upcoming updates and latest health information are right on the way!