Now that we are entering the start of flu season and Swine Flu is becoming a serious concern, its important that you know the symptoms of the disease so you can recognize it in yourself and others at an early stage.

Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.  Swine flu (H1N1) viruses cause high levels of illness and low death.

So far, most swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only a small number of people have had more serious symptoms.  Here is a list of symptoms of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) disease.

If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:

• unusual tiredness,
• headache,
• runny nose,
• sore throat,
• shortness of breath or cough,
• lack of appetite,
• aching muscles,
• diarrhea and vomiting
• fever
• lethargy
• Some people with swine flu also have reported nausea.

How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.

Call your doctor  if:

• you currently have a serious existing illness
• you are pregnant,
• you have a sick child under the age of one,
• your condition suddenly gets much worse, or
• your condition gets worse after seven days (five for a child).