The symptoms of swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, are generally the same in people of all ages. However, children are among those who are at a greater risk of complications from the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Normal Symptoms

Swine flu symptoms are much like those of the seasonal flu. Infected adults and children will experience the same symptoms, which typically include fever, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Additionally, children may have nausea, along with vomiting or diarrhea.

Severe symptoms

Seek immediate medical attention for a child who is breathing rapidly or with difficulty, is not drinking enough fluids and may be dehydrated, has bluish or gray skin color, won't wake up or interact with others or who is vomiting continually. Also, if a child's symptoms improve but then return, he should be taken to a doctor immediately.

Treatment

There is no cure for swine flu, but the symptoms can be treated at home. A child with swine flu should be given plenty of fluids and allowed adequate rest for recovery. Fever and aches can be controlled with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Severe cases can be treated with prescription medications, such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir).

Prevention

Children and adults alike should wash their hands frequently and cough and sneeze into their elbows to avoid spreading the swine flu virus. They should not touch their eyes, nose or face. Parents should keep symptomatic children at home until their flu symptoms subside.

Vaccination

There is a vaccine for the H1N1 virus. The CDC recommends the vaccine for all children older than 6 months.

Source:

CDC.gov: 2009 H1N1 Flu

Education.com: Swine Flu and Children: Should Parents Be Worried?

Web MD: Swine Flu FAQ

More Information:

Web MD: Children and Flu