Swine flu, also known as H1N1 is the serious virus that hit the U.S. last year and has since escalated. It has been sweeping the United States causing countless deaths and illnesses. Prevention and early detection are key in the treatment of swine flu. Many people do not realize they have swine flu until it is too late. It is important to know what symptoms to look out for so you can inform your doctor early when they emerge.

The symptoms of the swine flu, or H1N1 are very similar to the traditional flu. These symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, severe headache, chills, and fatigue. Other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Using these symptoms alone, it is impossible to tell if you are suffering from the common flu or the deadly epidemic.

If you fall ill, it is important to get checked out immediately. You should visit your nearest health care professional so that they can give you a lab test to determine what type of ailment you are experiencing. It is only through these tests that your diagnosis can be known for sure and that proper treatment can begin.

It is important to remember that like the regular flu, H1N1 can occur in young children. While this is rare, when it hits children the effects are devastating and often fatal. It is critical that any child with even the slightest symptom be examined by a physician in order to properly treat the condition and prevent any devastating consequences.