Health Information and Self Care Advice for Scotland

Swine flu is a viral infection (called Influenza A H1N1v) with symptoms very similar to those caused by seasonal flu. Swine flu is generally a mild infection that comes on quickly and lasts for about a week. It causes fever, tiredness, cough and sore throat.

Other symptoms include headache, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea.

However, for people with underlying health conditions ( see Q: Who will the vaccine be given to first? ) young children aged over six months and up to five years old, or who are having medical treatment such as chemotherapy or who are pregnant, these symptoms can lead to very serious complications.

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