Does my baby have swine flu?

Paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair answers:

What is commonly referred to as swine flu is actually the H1N1 or novel influenza. It is a specific flu virus that is quite different from the average influenza virus, and it unfortunately has a predilection for severely affecting pregnant women and adolescents. Most childhood flu infections follow a normal viral course with fever, muscle pain, a stuffy or runny nose and a cough. With swine flu, your baby will have a high fever, will be lethargic, and may have appetite loss or even diarrhea. There is no specific cure for swine flu but if you think your baby has it, you need to take him to a doctor who will trea thim symptomatically and monitor his progress for any complications.