In general, the clinical symptoms of swine flu in children Partes similar to those of seasonal flu, but the results of infection vary widely, from a mild fever to life threatening pneumonia or respiratory infection.

Swine flu symptoms in children include a high fever, coughing, throat pain, mucus or nasal secretion, a sensation of burning in the eyes, aches and pains in the body, intensely painful headaches, cold shivers and fatigue.

A significant amount of children infected with this virus have also reported having diarrhea and vomiting frequently. In severe cases, disorientation and loss of consciousness are also possible.

Currently, it is not clear which children or which groups of people have the highest risk of contracting the new swine flu, but it is possible that they are the same ones that have suffered complications from the seasonal flu.

Children that are most likely to suffer serious complications due to seasonal flu include those which are under five years old, or those which have any kind of chronic illness including asthma, diabetes or cardiac disease. Also those children with immune system deficiencies are highly susceptible.

The following are warning signs to look out for in children and require immediate medical attention.

• Agitated breathing or difficulty in breathing.

• A blue or gray color on the skin.

• Inability or no desire to take in sufficient liquids.

• Frequent and intense coughing.

• Diarrhea and a lack of appetite.

• Strong and intense headache.

• Strong or constant vomiting.

• Does not want to get up or wake up or interact with others.

• The child is so distressed that it does not even want you to carry him or her.

• The symptoms which are similar to those of seasonal flu get better but then return with a higher fever and a worse cough.

• The fever is usually at least 39° C, which is unlike that of the more typical cold or flu.

Some other but less frequent symptoms are confusion, dizziness, pain or pressure on the chest or abdomen and a shortness of breath. If you notice any of these swine flu symptoms in children, you should contact a doctor immediately.