Some experts are predicting that the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus might infection 30 to 50 percent of the American population before the end of this winter's flu season.
That makes it important for parents to learn to recognize typical 2009 H1N1 swine flu symptoms, which are basically the same as seasonal flu symptoms, and can include:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- vomiting
Serious Swine Flu Symptoms
Even more important than recognizing regular swine flu symptoms, which are usually mild, is learning to recognize more serious swine flu symptoms and warning signs that your child has a more serious case of the 2009 H1N1 swine flu.
According to the CDC, these warning signs can include:
- fast breathing or trouble breathing
- bluish or gray skin color
- not drinking enough fluids, which can lead to dehydration
- severe or persistent vomiting
- not waking up or not interacting
- being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, which can be a sign of a secondary infection, like pneumonia or meningitis
You should seek immediate medical attention for your child if he develops any of these warning signs of a serious swine flu infection.
Sources:
CDC. What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms. Accessed September 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
