How can you tell the difference btwn allergies and swine flu symptoms?

by Symptom Advice on April 28, 2011

I have a runny nose, and I usually have allergies around this time. My throat is also itchy, but so far I do not have any other symptoms.

well im not a Expert on this stuff but it sounds to me that u just have allergies, have u gone to the Doctor about it if so tell me what they said i might be abel to help u i mean hear are the symptoms for the swine flu, fever or chills,headache,nasal congestion or runny noise, sore-throat,cough,body-aches or lethargy,lack of appetite,nausea,or vomiting,diarrhea, those r the symptom's for the swine flu ok so u have those u might wanna got to the doctor's please don't wait ok.

This IS primetime for allergies … so what you've got most likely IS allergies.

Flu (any strain of flu … swine flu, bird flu, etc.) makes you feel pretty darn sick. It is usually sudden-onset … fever, chills, fatigue … along with the respiratory symptoms such as sore/itchy/scratchy throat, stuffy/runny nose, etc.

If your symptoms are more annoying than anything else … if you feel like crap from the throat up but feel otherwise OK, it's most likely allergies.

Flu makes you feel like hell all over, but it's not usually dangerous except to the very young, the very old, and those with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems.

Swine Influenza and You
What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type a influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza a (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. an updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza a (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza a (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. if you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. for treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eye

Having influenza of any kind -hurts- and you won't mistake it for anything else. a lot of people say they have "the flu" when they don't have anything but a cold or something else. you will *hurt* and have a fever and you will reeeally feel -sick- if you have influenza, not like a cold where you feel really lousy but not reeeeally *sick* all over.

swine flu has symptoms like other influenza viruses. so typically you won't just have an itcy/sore throat and stuffy/runny nose. you would likely have a high fever, body aches, cough, fatigue etc.
It really sounds like you just have allergies.

listen. forget tamiflu and stock up on THERAflu. the drinking one. the stuff tastes so bad but it works wonders. i just took a dosage. been sick 3 days now and one dose was enough to knock whatever i had senseless.

drink water. get some bendaryl. get lots of sleep.

Go to the CDC website and read about the swine flu. if the symptoms are to closely aligned to your allergies then go to a doctor who will run tests on you to determine.

I think if it gets any worse you might wanna get it checked out, especially after taking allergies medication. and if you get a fever.

Fever and fatigue don't come with allergies.

Same!
I also get ocasional head-aches, LOTS OF SNEEZING!

FEVER is a red flag.

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