10 Symptoms of Swine Flu & How a Thermometer is a Good Start

This summer they said that because the kids were off school, we would experience a great reduction in the number of cases of Swine Flu in the UK. However, as the kids across the country go back to school, there's a high chance that it will once again sweep across the nation.

So that you know what to look for and don't confuse Swine Flu with some other ailment, we've created a handy list of the 10 symptoms that you should look out for, if you want to greatly reduce the affect that Swine Flu has on you and your family.

These Key Symptoms:

Symptom 1: TEMPERATURE
According to the NHS, a sudden but consistently high body temperature of 38°C/100°F or higher is one of the core typical symptoms of swine flu. If you feel feverish, use a medical thermometer
to check your temperature regularly. For this reason, it's common sense to have a good thermometer in your home.

Symptom 2: SUDDEN COUGH
A bad cough that appears as if from nowhere is one of the typical symptoms of the H1N1 Swine Flu. Always try to cough into a handkerchief and dispose of it appropriately afterward.

Plus Some of These Other Symptoms:

Symptom 3: HEADACHE
The kind of headache you get when you have a bad cold or the flu. The type that makes you want to stay in bed.

Symptom 4: TIREDNESS
Being unusually tired or fatigued is also a symptom of common flu, but combined with the key symptoms, this is an indication that you may have swine flu and it's time to take your temperature.

Symptom 5: CHILLS & FEVER
Shivering one minute and roasting hot the next? That's another accompanying symptom of this type of flu and you should consider calling the doctor.

Symptom 6: LIMB AND JOINT PAINS
Just like when you have the regular flu, your arms and legs and all your joints seem to be heavy and ache when you move them. It could be swine flu, check your temperature with a medical thermometer

Symptom 7: UPSET STOMACH
A tender stomach with diarrhea is another sign that you may need to think about calling the Swine Flu Hotline.

Symptom 8: SORE THROAT/RUNNY NOSE
Whilst a runny nose can be caused by allergic rhinitis and the common cold, when it's accompanied by a painful sore throat, it's time to get the thermometer and check your temperature.

Symptom 9: SNEEZING
As we emerge from the hay fever period, this symptom will be easier to spot. However, remember sneezing is commonly caused by dust allergies and the common cold too.

Symptom 10: LOSS OF APPETITE
You should notice this one almost immediately. If you go off your food, it's very important that you keep your fluids up, especially if you're experiencing an upset stomach with watery stool.

Remember, it's easier to deal with Swine Flu when it's caught early on and one of the best ways to spot the symptoms is to look out for consistently high temperatures. Get a good working medical thermometer for your home or school before the Swine Flu bug really takes a bite out of you.