[sunrise]

What are swine flu symptoms?

I am sick right now and have been since Friday. This is way worse than a cold. I have had laryngitis (voice comes and goes), persistent cough, really bad sore throat (feels as bad as a strep throat), and fever. I have not had chills and shaking or been achy. I have had the standard flu (not swine) several times and I always get very achy. This does not feel like that. I am also very tired.

I do NOT have congestion, runny nose, sneezing, etc.

At first I thought maybe this is swine flu, and in that case, there is no reason to go to the doctor. But I'm thinking now maybe I have strep because of the sore throat and could benefit from antibiotics. Does anyone know if a bad sore throat is a symptom of swine flu?

[bebop]

I had an achy throat but not what I would call sore. you should go to the dr. they can give you tamaflu if it is. please see a dr. my cousin is on life support right now due to swine flu! we don't know if she is going to make it or not.

[ECHOES]

Sunny, I'm sorry you are sick.
Yes, sore throat is a symptom of the swine flu.
Some people with strep throat don't have throat pain.
Some people with H1N1 don't have fever.
I don't know how in the world we are supposed to know what we have without seeing a doctor, yet if everyone goes out (rather than staying in as suggested by the CDC) to see their doctor, we risk spreading whatever it is we have.
Perhaps you could contact your doctor by phone to see what s/he suggests.

http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business/guidance/

I hope you feel better soon.

((((((((((((sunny)))))))))))

I'm sorry you're sick!!

When I had swine flu, I was A LOT less achy than I was with regular flu. My symptoms were really similar to what you are describing - and yeah, I had a WICKED sore throat.

Mine turned into secondary infections (sinus infection and bronchitis) and I ended up needing an antibiotic. I know 4 people who have had it (including me and one of my sons) - two ended up with secondary infections and needed antibiotics, and two didn't.

I hope you feel better soon!

[Brightheart]

Sunrise, it could be a bunch of things. Please go and get checked. I've had strep throat many times. I always had a very high fever and extremely sore throat. My throat would get very swollen with white patches. But there was NO cough with it. I hope you go see a doctor soon.

[sunrise]

I did call my doctor's office about an hour ago and they said a medical assistant would call me back to see if I should come in. I have a feeling they are inundated with people, so if they can rule out strep throat over the phone, I am fine with not going in. I just want to get started on drugs if I have strep. My throat hurts so much.

I think maaaaaybe I am feeling a little better today, because I would like to go take a shower, which I didn't yesterday. But I have to wait for the medical assistant to call.

bebop, how is your cousin doing?

[MyBestKids2]

Oh, sunrise I know how you feel! I was so very ill last week. I had most of your symptoms, and then some. I swore up and down it was the flu, but ended up being strep throat. If its strep throat, you HAVE to get an antibiotic. Please go to to the doctor, I don't want you feeling any worse!

Take care,

Dee

[theotterone]

Sun, I am so sorry you aren't feeling well! Unfortunately, with all the press about H1N1, there is much worry about it. There has been a virus going around my daughters' daycare, and they shut down for the week worried it may be H1N1, only the symptoms aren't the same. My 6 year old had a 101 fever for 2 days that broke today. I can't take anymore time off of work without risking disciplinary action so my husband had to take the last 2 days off. We can only hope the 9 year old doesn't get it.

Hang in there, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting pleanty of rest!

[sunrise]

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone. I am feeling a lot better and was able to go back to work today.

I did see my doctor and he said it wasn't strep throat since he said you don't get a cough with that. So I didn't need an antibiotic. I wish the medical assistant had just told me that over the phone so I didn't have to come in. I told her I had a bad sore throat and a cough (as well as my other symptoms) and I wondered if it could be strep. If she had just told me, no it is not strep because of the cough I would not have gone to the doctor's office, tired myself out, and exposed other people to the illness I did have. They need a better phone screening system....

Anyway, no strep, just a run of the mill virus (non-flu). The doctor did not think I had swine flu or regular flu because I had no aches and not a severe enough fever. It wouldn't have mattered anyway as the treatment for one virus is the same for another--rest, fluids, etc.

Originally Posted by theotterone

My 6 year old had a 101 fever for 2 days that broke today. I can't take anymore time off of work without risking disciplinary action so my husband had to take the last 2 days off. We can only hope the 9 year old doesn't get it.

I hope you have health around your home once more.

[ECHOES]

Sunny, I'm glad you're feeling better.
It's amazing how painful a throat can be from a virus!
And, conversely, some people don't have throat pain when they have strep.

Better for your own peace of mind to be looked at and tested. I'm glad you are on the mend.