Pandemic flu - Symptoms
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The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of other types of seasonal flu.
The effects of the illness are often mild, but some people (see below) are more at risk of serious illness.
If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38C/100.4F) 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
- loss of appetite
- aching muscles
- diarrhoea or vomiting
It makes sense to have a working thermometer at home, as an increase in temperature is one of the main symptoms. If you are unsure how to use a thermometer, read about how to take someone's temperature.
What to do
If you have flu-like symptoms, stay at home, get plenty of rest and use over-the-counter painkillers to relieve symptoms. If you are concerned, contact your GP. They will determine the most appropriate action to take.
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 flu.
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 chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease)
- immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
- diabetes mellitus
Also at risk are:
- patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years
- pregnant women
- people who are 65 years of age or over
Outlook
For most people, the illness appears to be mild. For a minority of people, the virus can cause severe illness. In many of these cases, other factors contribute to the severity of the illness.
When complications occur, they are usually caused by the virus affecting the lungs. Infections such as pneumonia can develop.
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