The symptoms of the H1N1 flu are very similar to those of the common flu, but they appear suddenly and with greater intensity, with a high fever, severe headache and difficulty breathing.
This flu is transmitted by contact with sick people, but it can cause complications such as pneumonia if not treated properly, so in case of suspicion you should go to the doctor to know how to treat and avoid transmitting the disease to other people.
The 10 most important symptoms that this flu can cause, and that differentiate this disease from the common flu, are:
- Sudden fever that exceeds 38 ° C; Severe cough; Constant headache; Joint and muscle pain; Lack of appetite; Frequent chills; Stuffy nose, sneezing and shortness of breath; Nausea and vomitingDiarrhea; General malaise.
The general practitioner can indicate if it is necessary to do any exam to identify the disease and if there are associated complications and the most appropriate treatment for each person, and those who suffer from respiratory problems such as Asthma, Bronchitis or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) should be evaluated by a pulmonologist.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of H1N1 flu is made mainly through a clinical examination by the doctor of the symptoms presented. In addition, the presence of this disease can be confirmed by analyzing the patient's nose and throat secretions to confirm the presence of the virus, which must be done within the first 24 to 72 hours from the onset of symptoms.
See also how you can differentiate a common flu from the H1N1 flu.
H1N1 flu in babies and children
In babies and children, this flu causes the same symptoms as in adults, but stomach pain and diarrhea are more common. To identify this disease, one must be aware of the increase in crying and irritability in babies and be suspicious when the child says that the whole body hurts, as it may be a sign of the headaches and muscles caused by this flu.
In cases of fever, cough and persistent irritability, one should contact the pediatrician to immediately start the appropriate treatment, as the remedies for are most effective when used in the first 48 hours of the disease.
Treatment can be done at home, but it is important to avoid contact with other babies and children so that the transmission of the disease does not occur, and it is recommended to avoid daycare or school for at least 8 days.
Find out how food can help cure this flu faster in the following video.
