Is It the Flu or Swine?

Hi T.,
I'm a physician assistant and work in an urgent care. The symptoms you're describing sound more like a gastrointestinal virus rather than influenza. What most people refer to as the stomach "flu" is not actually influenza at all.
The swine flu is characterized by high fever (102-104), cough, headaches, bodyaches and fatigue. Some people do have some nausea associated with it but it is not usually the main complaint.
That being said, if you are concerned about the condition of your son or he suddenly gets worse, certainaly have him seen immediately. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

The swine flu "epidemic" has been blown way out of proportion by the media. The numbers aren't there to support an epidemic, and the illness itself isn't very fatal. The regular flu annually kills more than this swine flu is managing.

What to do... keep them hydrated, follow the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) diet for GI illness, and wait it out. If the vomiting lasts more than a couple of days, or there's fever, or you suspect dehydration, then by all means, go to urgent care.

But don't overreact just because some reporters are trying to up their ratings!

A. Paul, RN

sounds like the stomach flu to me! we had it 2 weeks ago, so it is going around (ours lasted 2 days)! If they get worse I'd take them in or call the Dr. But the swine flu isn't deadly in the US, so I think either way you're alright.

There is a stomach virus going around that is not the swine flu. My 1 year old daughter had it on Friday and we happened to be at the pediatrician for her well visit anyway and she told me not to worrry. My daughter had the same symptoms you're describing, throwing up and diaharria but acting completely normal and no fever so I wouldn't stress. If either develop a fever, I'd head to the emergency room but otherwise I wouldn't. After 48 hours the stomach thing went away.

I would treat the flu like you would if the swine fu was not a thought here and go to the hospital only if t gets worse and you would have anyhow---- besides that that is what all the experts are saying to do.

though I would if I were you I would keep away from people til your family gets better because of the panic they might cause out and about.

the good thing that has come out of this for lack of better words is that if you ARE sick with the flu normal or not bosses tend to not give you a hassle about saying home like they tend to do at other times

Dear T.,

Sounds like you might be getting the diseases mixed up - many people do. "The flu" and "swine flu" both refer to influenza, not stomach flu, which is what it sounds like your son and hubbie have. Here are some influenza symptoms for you:

Other symptoms may include:

- headache
- tiredness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or stomach upset
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- loss of appetite

Blessings!

HI T., I understand how the media can really get to people and how conflicted you must be. The "swine flu" is a type of influenza A. You will have a sudden onset of copious runny nose and cough with a fever first. You will feel awful!!! It last for 7 to 10 days. Vomiting and diarrhea occur occationally not as a primary symptom. The CDC we site has some great information. I would only go to UC if you can't keep them hydrated. Keep your hands washed or you and the little one could get it also. I understand how concerned you maybe. Try talking to your Dr. They are feilding questions like this everyday. Good luck.

Swine and the regular flu symptoms are the 'same'. The only one who can determine between the two will be your pediatrician. (just went thru this with my son, but he wasn't throwing up...just a high fever and cough).
As long as your son is taking fluids and not throwing up the fluids, you should be fine. But if your son can't keep anything down, food nor fluids, then take him to the ER. They will need to hydrate him with IV Fluids. Wash hands thoroughly and constantly. Keep your baby away from the sick folk. :-) Wash your hands before, during and after you handle anything. Clean with Lysol, or your favorite cleaner, the door knobs, handles etc. And toilet handle. OH, and the phone receiver too. You would be surprised at how many germs are on the phone. This should help. But if you see any signs at all with your baby, don't wait, take your baby to the doc.

Amy Paul who also answered your question has GREAT advice. Please heed her advice as well.

Choosing healthier foods that are available to us, is much more important than trying what people are soliciting on here. :-)

Generally the flu lasts 24 hours. If they have a high fever and throwing up for more than 24 hours, i would go into the doctor and they will take a sample to see if it is swine flu. Disenfect your 7 month old's hands often and keep him away from the other family members as much as possible. if you can get a mask to wear that would help, but your little one may not keep it on. Have your husband and 2 year old wear masks so they don't spread the germs. You need to keep your hands washed often also. Good luck and if it is the swine flu, they can get treated and be fine, don't worry - the media has created more frenzy than needed.

Mine just went through a 24 hour bug that sounds like that. I kept him home and let it run it's course. As usually, take them in if they show signs of dehydration. But, from what I read, the biggest swine symptoms are high fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing. Stomach symptoms were a little more rare. Hope they feel better soon!

We all had a really bad flu (could have been the swine flu, who knows?) for about a week right before all the hype about the swine flu came out. I had 4 sick kids and me, my husband didn't get it-lucky guy. It was the worst flu I ever had, but that was probably because I was taking care of 4 sick kids at the same time.
The flu lasts longer than 24 hours, it seems to be more like a week. 2 of the kids also had throwing up for a few days right before the fever, chills, aches, pains etc etc... but I think that they were 2 different illnesses that ran together.
The swine flu is being blown out of proportion. If you look up facts on google, there are over twenty thousand regular flu related deaths each year! I am not so concerned about this new version, other than the normal concern of keeping hydrated and watching for it turning into bronchitis or pneumonia.
Good luck taking care of your husband and child, I would stay away from ER's and Urgent care if you can.

I asked a similar question out about this. If you want immediate info, I would check my responses---I got some great ones! :)

Back to your specific questions:
If no one has a temperature in your family then it is likely not Swine Flu. I have read and heard contradicting symptoms but high fever was a constant amongst them all.

Personally I wouldn't go to the ER for medical attention right now unless whom ever was sick took a turn for the worst. If they are just appearing to have regular flu symptoms, I'd stay home. What if it's not Swine Flu and then you are stuck in an ER with germs that possibly are from a Swine Flu patient. Not to mention there are other terrible diseases out there that everyone is forgetting about. MRSA, Meningitis---I avoid ER's at all costs. I'd go to your regular doctor for testing if you get concerned that it's Swine Flu.

When someone in my family gets sick I just mop, vacuum, clean door handles, light switches, counters, toilets and toys daily. I know that seems like alot but I just wipe what I can with Lysol wipes and mopping and vacuuming are quick too. It's peace of mind. Germs can mutate and I don't want them lingering around the house.

Keep an eye on the family, keep them hydrated (pop cycles and water or Gatorade with crushed ice is great). I wish you all the best and a fast recovery.

Hi T.,
If you are really worried, take your son to see his doctor, they can do a test in the office to test for the flu. We just had to have our son tested because we have traveled and he had a cold (which I was very worried might be the flu). Thankfully ours came back negative. They can do the test in the office and it only takes 15 min. if it comes back positive they do further testing for the swine flu. They are pretty good about doing the test right now because of the outbreak. Good luck!
J.

With no fever present it's not the swine flu. Keep the sick members of your family home and wash your hands frequently.

It doesn't really matter if it's the swine flu or the regular flu...you don't want either! The symptoms are the same,you'd have a fever with either. You also don't want to pass a stomach virus to other members of the family or anyone else for that matter. Wash your hands a lot and have other sick family members do the same !!