Expert: Eric Brandt - 5/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: The internet says that the swine flu symptons are:

Fever


Cough


Sore throat


Body aches


Headache


Chills


Fatigue

Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.



And this morning I woke up and I had a headache,stomach ache,sore throat,slight coughing and a stomach ache.Is it possible that I could have the swine flu or just a cold?There have been days when I have woke up with a headache or sore throat for no reason.I'm 13.

ANSWER: Hi Corriona,
Swine flu symtoms are the same as other flu viruses. The only way to positively identify the organism is in a laboratory test. If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for swine flu you should be tested as well. Otherwise the odds are that this is just ordinary flu.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincrerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: But the problem is that my mom won't take me!I told her and she doesn't care!I can't drive because I am not 16.I just don't want to wind up dead or anything from not taking action.Everything else is just getting worse,the symptoms,everything.I can't take it.And I heard that there is no cure for it anyways.I'm crying because I don't want to die or anything.So what else am I suppose to do?

ANSWER: Hi Corrina,
I suggest you call the doctor's office and ask them how you should proceed.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well my sore throat kind of went away without medicine,but I still have a headache but I have been on the computer all day,and my back aches but maybe that is because I have been setting in the sam position all day,but I feel drowsy and I still have a stomach ache though I am not experiencing any lack of appetite or chills or much of a fever.So is it possible from your opinion that I might have the swine flu?

Answer
Hi Corrina,
A diagnosis can not be made over the internet. You need a lab test to positively identify if it is swine flu. The odds are stacked in your favor that it is not. Get some rest.It sounds as though it is resolving on its own.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm