It is bad enough that it is sometime hard to tell the difference between the cold and the flu; both seemingly start out with the same symptoms but the flu is a bit more extreme. It is especially difficult to tell the difference between the regular flu and swine flu; these symptoms are almost identical. The person suffering from the flu will have a fever, sore throat, body aches, and chills just to name a few symptoms. So what makes swine flue different from the regular flu?
What is the Flu?
The flu or influenza, is a virus that is contagious and affects the respiratory system. The virus enters the body either through the mouth, nose, or eyes (mucus membranes). Influenza is categorized by either A, B, or type C. Seasonal flu are caused by the first two types.
Type A
Type A has the ability to infect animals as well as people. Wild birds have been known to carry type A influenza. The strain of flu virus constantly changes and historically has been responsible for widespread flu epidemics.
Type B
Type B unlike Type A is only found in humans. Type B is most notably less severe than type A but sometimes it can be very harmful. Historically type B has not caused any epidemics.
Type C
Type C like Type B is only found in humans but it is milder than the previous two. Historically type C does not cause epidemics.
What is H1N1?
H1N1 or swine flu is a variety of the influenza A virus. The H1N1 strain appeared in the spring of 2009. During that time it was completely unheard of at that time.
The Differences
H1N1 can cause gastrointestinal symptoms along with normal flu like symptoms. People will experience diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Some people barely realize the difference and have only mild symptoms.
The only way to know if you have swine flu or the regular flu is for a doctor to perform a laboratory test. Flu vaccines for the most part will cover the person being vaccinated for which ever flu stain is the most prevalent that year. In most instances one vaccine will cover up to four strains.
Conclusion
The main difference that can be determined without seeking medical treatment is if gastrointestinal issues are present alongside flu symptoms. However, this is not a definitive way to determine that the infected individual has swine flu. Many other viruses and illness can cause flu like symptoms with gastrointestinal problems. As a guide if someone experiencing any of the following symptoms they should seek the guidance of a medical professional:
- Difficulty Breathing
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest Pains
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- A Fever That Lasts More Than 3 Days
- Symptoms Seem to Worsen