Swine Flu Symptoms

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Dr. med. Mira Seidel is a freelance writer for the medical team.

More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.

Swine flu symptoms are somewhat similar to seasonal flu symptoms. This applies, for example, to a high fever, dry, dry cough, headache and body aches. In addition, gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common swine flu symptoms. With normal flu, on the other hand, there are usually no gastrointestinal problems. Here you can find out everything you need to know about swine flu symptoms.

ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. J09J10

Swine Flu Symptoms: General

Typical swine flu symptoms are sudden high fever (38.5 ° C or more), dry, tickly cough, sore throat, muscle pain and / or headache. There is also a general feeling of illness with shivering and fatigue, sweating and a runny nose. Common swine flu symptoms are also nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Swine flu symptoms: differences from normal flu

Swine flu and classic influenza are similar in many ways. Sudden fever, malaise, cough, headache and body aches occur with both forms of flu.

In addition, swine flu causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which often precede respiratory problems (coughing, etc.). With normal seasonal flu, on the other hand, gastrointestinal complaints usually do not develop. Swine flu and "normal" flu can only be distinguished with certainty on the basis of laboratory tests.

Swine flu symptoms: differences from the common cold

Colloquially, the word "flu" is often used for a common cold. However, the flu (influenza) is not the same as a cold. Like swine flu, it causes symptoms that are usually more severe than those of a cold. The latter also does not cause a high fever.

Swine flu symptoms: complications

Swine flu usually lasts five to seven days.However, it can be extended significantly if, for example, complications arise. These manifest themselves preferentially in the area of ​​the lungs. A common complication of swine flu is pneumonia. This is either caused by the swine flu virus itself or by an additional infection ("superinfection") with bacteria.

It is also possible that an existing chronic lung disease is acutely worsened by a swine flu infection (exacerbation).

In addition, swine flu can lead to muscle inflammation (myositis) and the breakdown of striated muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis), such as those found in skeletal muscles. Brain inflammation (encephalitis) and heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) are also possible.

Central nervous system complications such as encephalitis develop mainly in children. In these cases, the swine flu symptoms are often accompanied by otitis media.

Possible Swine Flu Symptoms? Inform doctor!

If you notice possible signs of swine flu, you should inform a doctor immediately. Call him first so that he can take any precautionary measures in the practice before your arrival that will reduce the risk of infection to other patients and staff. If the symptoms are actually swine flu, appropriate treatment can be initiated immediately.

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