Swine Flu - how do you really know??

[Trish Bessette]

I've read how many of you have been hit with swine flu in your households and I hope you are all doing better. In reading some of your symptoms it is exactly to what my DH had last week and my DD15 got this week.

VERY sore throat, run down feeling, DH had awful chest cold, coughing and DD doesn't have much of that yet. However NO FEVER.

I just called DD doctor just to check in and they said they want me to bring her in to get a throat culture to rule out strept. However they said this doesn't sound like swine flu. I asked if they've had many cases and they said only 1.

I don't think it has hit hard here in Vermont because we never hear about it in the local news or papers.

But reading what some of you have posted we are following the same symptoms.

I'm so confused. Darn you swine!

 

[momx2]

A quick flu test where they check for type A or type B. If it is positive for type A, there is a about a 99% chance it is H1N1. Most states are testing specifically for it anymore because of time and expense. My understanding is if it tests positive for type B it is the normal seasonal flu. I hope your DD feels better soon!

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

Because there are other illness out there, I would make sure it isn't strep.

Not all swine flu presents with fever, so don't let that be your deciding factor.

Keep an eye on her. If you see any of the warning signs:
What are the emergency warning signs?
In children

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

In adults

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

Get her medical attention immediately.

Otherwise, keep pushing those fluids and get her to rest.