Symptoms of swine flu

Danger signs - seek urgent medical care

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Persistent high fever not settling, or fever that returns after improving
• Bluish lips or face
• Confusion, severe weakness, or fainting
• Severe or persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down
• Signs of dehydration: very little urine, dizziness on standing

If breathing is severely difficult or the person is confused or turning blue, call 112 immediately.

In children - extra warning signs

• Fast or difficult breathing, chest pulling in with breaths
• Refusing to drink, no wet diapers for many hours
• Extreme irritability or unusual drowsiness
• Fever with rash

Who should see a doctor EARLY, even with mild symptoms

Pregnant women, children under 5, adults over 65, and anyone with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weak immunity should contact a doctor at the first flu symptoms - early antiviral treatment works best within 48 hours.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive): Classical descriptions of jwara include fever with body ache and respiratory involvement, resembling flu. The framework is interpretive; the danger signs above are the ones that decide action.

Remember: High fever, cough, sore throat, and body ache for about a week is the common course. Breathing trouble, chest pain, bluish lips, confusion, or a returning fever are emergencies - and high-risk people should see a doctor at the first symptom, not the first danger sign.