How do you know if you have H1N1 or just the regular flu?

Manifestations of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) are similar to those of seasonal influenza and it would not be possible to distinguish Novel Influenza A (H1N1) infection from seasonal influenza in most people, However, management will be similar in most cases, in particular for people with mild to moderate disease.


The main things that make physicians suspect that your flu could be H1N1 are

• History of fever, chills and sweating or clinically documented fever ≥38°C, plus
• Cough or
• Sore throat.

With a the usual cold, one doesn't usually get such a high fever and the cough one gets with a cold is usually loose and 'phlegmy'. The cough one gets with the flu is usually dry.

If you got the above symptoms Nasopharyngeal swabs for novel influenza A H1N1 testing might be taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.

Testing should now be limited to the following three indications:

• Symptomatic people at high risk of influenza-related complications
• Hospitalized patients with upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms
• People who live or work in high risk institutions
• For the purpose of cluster identification and control, or infection control.

Finally if you are displaying flu symptoms with high grade fever during this time of the H1N1 pandimic, it could be swine flu you have but without taking nasal and nasopharyngeal swab but not everybody need to be swabbed as most cases will be self limited and can be self manage at home.