Swine Flu Symptoms

It is important that as swine flu spreads, you know the symptoms of the disease so you can recognise it in yourself and others at an early stage.
Please read this page and consider your symptoms carefully before using the National Pandemic Flu Service mentioned below.
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.
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:
1.unusual tiredness,
2.headache,
3.runny nose,
4.sore throat,
5.shortness of breath or cough,
6.loss of appetite,
7.aching muscles,
8.diarrhoea or vomiting.


High-risk groups
For most people, swine flu is a mild illness. Some people get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter flu medication.
However, some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antiviral medication as it is confirmed that they have it.
It is already known that you are particularly at risk if you have:
chronic (long-term) lung disease,
chronic heart disease,
chronic kidney disease,
chronic liver disease,
chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease),
immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment) or
diabetes mellitus.

Also at risk are:
patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years,
pregnant women,
people aged 65 and older, and
young children under five.
It is vital that people in these higher-risk groups who catch swine flu get antivirals and start taking them as soon as possible.