Swine Flu (H1N1) is a very deadly type of flu that is sweeping across the globe, claiming hundreds of lives. If you suspect you may have contracted it, it is very important to get help as soon as possible. Unfortunately, if you want to know how to know if you have swine flu, there is no way to know for sure.

The symptoms of Swine Flu are very similar to the common cold or a run of the mill influenza flu virus. These include:

• high fever
• cough
• runny nose
• body aches
• chills
• tiredness
• diarrhea and vomiting

Pneumonia and respiratory failure are signs that it is Swine Flu rather than just another flu. If you or your child exhibit any of the following symptoms, it is important to get medical help immediately:

• rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• blue or gray skin tone
• not drinking enough liquids
• severe vomiting
• not waking up or being interactive
• child is irritable, doesn't want to be held
• symptoms disappear, but then come back even worse

Once you get medical treatment, your chances of survival are high with the virus in its current form. Just remember that it's important to follow your doctor's directions and not come into contact with other people so you don't spread the virus.