What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Swine flu is a viral infection named so because it resembles the respiratory infections that pigs can get. What are the symptoms of swine flu, and how is it diagnosed? Continue reading to find out the answers.

What are the main symptoms of swine flu? 

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu and usually appear three to five days after exposure to the virus. They include: 

• Symptoms in Adults

The symptoms are usually mild for most adults and rarely severe. They include:

1. Fever, where the patient's temperature suddenly rises above 38°C.
2. Sore throat.
3. Dry, persistent cough.
4. Headache.
5. Loss of appetite.
6. Runny nose.
7. Chills.
8. Body and muscle aches.
9. Unusual fatigue.
10. In less common cases, patients might experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

However, in some cases, severe respiratory symptoms may occur due to complications like bronchitis, pneumonia, or even respiratory failure. Some patients may also experience serious cardiac complications. 

This is rare, as mentioned earlier, and typically affects individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women, or young children who have not received treatment.

• Symptoms in Children

Symptoms of swine flu in children and infants are usually similar to those in adults. However, children may also experience ear pain and be less active than usual. 

If the child exhibits any of the following additional symptoms, it is essential to contact a doctor immediately:

1. Difficulty breathing.
2. Trouble waking up.
3. Not drinking enough fluids.
4. Fever with a rash.
5. Confusion.

How Long Does the Swine Flu Last?

Swine flu symptoms usually last for a week, with the patient starting to recover within 3 to 7 days if the infection is mild. However, if the cough is severe, it can last for two weeks or more. If the infection is severe, the symptoms may persist for a bit longer. 

How Is Swine Flu Diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects someone has contracted the swine flu virus or any other type of influenza, they may recommend a test to confirm the diagnosis. Several tests can help with this. One of the precise tests that can accurately detect the flu strain is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which involves taking a nasal or throat swab and subjecting it to a series of genetic and laboratory analyses.

It’s important to note that not all patients need to undergo the test. It is usually recommended in the following cases:

• If the patient is at high risk of flu complications or lives with someone at high risk.
• If the patient is ill and receiving hospital care and treatment.

The doctor may also request the test to determine whether the symptoms are caused by the flu virus or other health issues. Health issues that cause similar symptoms include:

1. Heart problems, such as heart failure or myocarditis.
2. Brain and nervous system issues, such as encephalopathy or encephalitis.
3. Lung and respiratory problems, such as asthma or pneumonia.
4. Organ failure and septic shock.

It’s worth noting that it’s possible to have both swine flu and another virus, such as COVID-19, simultaneously. Therefore, the doctor may also request a COVID-19 RT-PCR test. You can have this test done at Blazma, which does not require any prior preparations.