Chances are you or someone close to you has been sniffling and coughing. But can you tell if it's a cold or the flu? Could it be the swine flu? What should you do if the symptoms get worse?

About H1N1

"In general, the H1N1 swine flu is not more serious than regular seasonal flu," says Jared Spotkov, MD, chief of infectious diseases at our South Bay Medical Center and physician lead of our Pandemic Influenza Team in Southern California.

"However, pregnant women, younger persons (3 to 18 years), and people with chronic conditions like asthma are at greater risk of more severe illness, and that's why these groups in particular should be sure to receive the H1N1 vaccination this season."

The signs of H1N1 infection are similar to seasonal flu symptoms, and most people recover effectively at home with rest and over-the-counter remedies to manage fever, aches, and cough. But there are some potentially serious symptoms that you should immediately see a doctor about.

When you should take your child to the doctor

Get medical care immediately if your child shows any of the following symptoms:

• has unusually fast breathing or trouble breathing
• shows bluish or grayish skin color
• experiences severe or persistent vomiting
• is not drinking enough fluids or is unable to keep down fluids
• is lacking tears when crying, which indicates dehydration
• is so irritable that he or she doesn't want to be held
• is not interacting or not waking up

When you should see a doctor

Get medical care immediately if you or an adult family member shows any of the following symptoms:

• has chest pain or difficulty breathing
• shows purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• shows signs of dehydration like dizziness when standing or lack of urination
• is experiencing seizures
• is less responsive than normal or shows signs of confusion

"The occurrence of these or other severe symptoms require medical attention, whether or not this is from the flu," advises Spotkov. He adds, "Many times there are very mild or few symptoms with cold and flu viral infections."

filed in: State of Health
subjects: flu, symptoms