Swine flu symptoms are like those of a seasonal flu.  These include fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, aches, chills and feeling tired.  Many people who have the swine flu also suffer from vomiting and diarrhea.

Do not panic if your child gets a cold.  Not every sniffle means the swine flu.  Only a health professional can know for certain if a person has been infected with the H1N1 virus.

There are two medications that doctors use to alleviate swine flu symptoms.  These are Tamiflu and Relenza.  They need to be started soon after the onset of the infection in order to be effective.  If used as a treatment, Tamiflu must be given twice a day.

Tamiflu cannot be used for prevention of the swine flu.  It would have to be given on a daily basis, and we do not know what the long term effects could be.

There are several over the counter medications that can help people feel more comfortable, if they have seasonal influenza or the swine flu.  These include cough syrups, fever reducers and alagesics.  Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids and rests.

If your child is sick, keep him home.  He needs his rest to recover.  He will put other students at risk if he goes to school.  People are typically contagious for 7 days after the onset of symptoms.

If the symptoms of the swine flu are worsening, you should contact your physician for directions.  You may need to be seen by health professionals.  If your child experiences any of the following, go to the emergency room immediately:

        * Not waking up or wanting to interact
        * Not wanting to be held
        * Not drinking fluids
        * Persistent vomiting
        * Any blueish or gray tone to the skin
        * Trouble breathing
        * Flu symptoms improve, then return

Dr. Sanjay Gupta advises parents about taking their children to the ER for the Swine Flu.