Flu season can bring a familiar mix of fever, cough and body aches, but a rise in H1N1 cases across several states has put influenza back on the health radar. Children appear to be among those affected
by the increase in H1N1 and other flu-like illnesses. Experts, however, say there is no reason for widespread alarm at present. The advice is instead to stay alert, particularly for children and people with underlying conditions such as asthma.
What is H1N1?
H1N1 is a strain of influenza A, a respiratory virus. The term " swine flu” became widely used after a new h1n1 virus emerged and began infecting humans during the 2009–10 flu season. it was a new combination of influenza viruses associated with pigs, birds and humans.< p fetchpriority="low" loading="lazy">
Today, H1N1 is one of the influenza A strains that can circulate among people and cause seasonal flu-like illness.
H1N1 symptoms to watch for
H1N1 infection can look much like other forms of influenza, so symptoms alone cannot always distinguish it from another flu virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms generally appear one to four days after exposure and can begin relatively suddenly.
Common symptoms may include:
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Fever, although it isn't always present
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Cough and sore throat
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Runny or blocked nose
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Muscle and body aches
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Chills and sweating
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Headache
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Tiredness and weakness
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Watery or red eyes
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Eye pain
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are more commonly seen in children than adults.
