Diagnosing the Flu & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of flu in people?

The symptoms of seasonal influenza and H₁N₁ flu in people are similar and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

Emergency Warning Signs

Children

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• 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
• Fever with a rash

Adults

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where influenza cases have been identified and suddenly become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.