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What are the Most Common H1N1 Flu Symptoms?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

A few of the most common H1N1 flu symptoms include fever, fatigue and headache. Also known as swine flu, other symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, chest pain, body aches and a cough. For some, symptoms may also include vomiting and diarrhea.

Anyone can contract the flu at any age, but H1N1 flu symptoms are primarily found in children and adults under the age of 65 years old. Depending on a person’s age, however, the symptoms of H1N1 may manifest in different ways. For instance, in children, swine flu symptoms may include breathing difficulties, a rash that is accompanied by a fever, irritability and skin that appears to have a bluish hue. Children stricken with the swine flue are likely to also stop drinking enough fluids and may experience dehydration. In some, symptoms may subside and a child may show improvement only to suddenly experience the onset of symptoms again, which may worsen during a second appearance.

A sore throat can be caused by the H1N1 flu.
A sore throat can be caused by the H1N1 flu.

Adult H1N1 flu symptoms are similar, but most do not experience a skin rash or a blue skin color. Rather, adults are more likely to experience a shortness of breath, confusion, dizzy spells, nausea and vomiting, chest pain or pain in the abdomen. These symptoms tend to only last for 24 to 48 hours before subsiding. Once infected with the virus, however, a person is considered contagious for a full week after the first appearance of H1N1 flu symptoms.

H1N1 symptoms may subside in children for a short time but can surge back.
H1N1 symptoms may subside in children for a short time but can surge back.

In most, a fever usually exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius) and is often accompanied by chills. While pain in the chest and body aches are common with regular influenza symptoms, when they are experienced as swine flu symptoms, these pains are generally worse. Combined with other H1N1 flu symptoms, most people experience severe discomfort and pain for the duration of this illness.

Among adults, H1N1 flu symptoms sometimes include fever and chills.
Among adults, H1N1 flu symptoms sometimes include fever and chills.

H1N1 flu symptoms can be quite alarming and often require emergency medical attention. Even in times when pandemic influenza is not a concern, many will still contract H1N1, as well as other types of influenza. As a highly contagious virus, the spread of influenza is significantly hampered by frequent hand washing, isolating people in their homes at the first presentation of influenza and seeking medical attention for help in treating influenza when symptoms appear to be extreme or persistent. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advise flu vaccinations as an effective method for avoiding contracting swine flu or other dangerous influenza strains.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

H1N1 also causes body aches and muscles and lack of appetite. I know because it happened to me. I was so extremely tired that I could barely get out of bed. My whole body ached and was sore. I also had no appetite whatsoever, couldn't eat or drink.

I had to be hospitalized for a few days, given a serum and nutrients. The hospital treatment made all the difference for me. I was bound to be dehydrated and even more sick at home.

ddljohn

@bluedolphin-- Flu is a respiratory disease, meaning that the virus affects the respiratory system. Some people think that only colds (bacterial infections) can cause sore throat and coughing but that's not true. Flu can too.

H1N1 flu symptoms are mostly the same as other types of flu. So it is practically impossible to know whether one has H1N1 or something else by the symptoms alone. Blood tests are required for the diagnosis. But longer than usual healing times or severe symptoms can be a sign that this isn't the usual seasonal flu. It'a good idea to see your doctor about it regardless.

bluedolphin

So H1N1 can cause sore throat and coughing. I was told that it doesn't. I do have both symptoms, as well as fever and fatigue. I thought it was seasonal flu, and it probably is. But I will see my doctor about it just in case.

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    • A sore throat can be caused by the H1N1 flu.
      By: absolutimages
      A sore throat can be caused by the H1N1 flu.
    • H1N1 symptoms may subside in children for a short time but can surge back.
      By: Marcin Sadlowski
      H1N1 symptoms may subside in children for a short time but can surge back.
    • Among adults, H1N1 flu symptoms sometimes include fever and chills.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Among adults, H1N1 flu symptoms sometimes include fever and chills.
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      Frequent handwashing helps prevent the spread of H1N1 flu.
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      Common indications of the H1N1 flu virus include body aches and lethargy.
    • Breathing difficulties and chest pain are common symptoms of H1N1 flu in children.
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      Breathing difficulties and chest pain are common symptoms of H1N1 flu in children.
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      Pregnant women are more susceptible to contracting the swine flu.
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