What are the initial symptoms of H1N1 flu in adults?

Feb 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Doctor, I'm really worried. My father hasn't been feeling well recently, and I'm afraid he might have contracted H1N1 influenza. Since H1N1 has been quite severe lately, I'd like to ask: what are the initial symptoms of H1N1 in adults?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi

Influenza A, also known as Type A flu, typically presents initial symptoms in adults including high fever, cough, sore throat, and general fatigue.

1. High Fever: At the onset of Influenza A, patients often experience a rapid rise in body temperature to above 38°C, which may be accompanied by chills, feeling cold, and sweating. The high fever may last for 3 to 5 days, or even longer. Timely monitoring of body temperature and measures to reduce fever are necessary to prevent complications such as dehydration.

2. Cough: Coughing is another prominent symptom of Influenza A. Initially, it is often a dry cough, which may gradually develop into a productive cough with phlegm as the illness progresses. The severity of coughing varies among individuals and can affect sleep and daily activities in severe cases.

3. Sore Throat: Sore throat is also a common early symptom of Influenza A, manifesting as dryness, pricking, or burning sensation in the throat, with pain possibly experienced during swallowing. Keeping the throat moist, drinking warm water, or using mouthwash can help alleviate the discomfort.

4. General Fatigue: After contracting Influenza A, patients often feel generally fatigued, lack energy, and may even experience exhaustion. This feeling of fatigue may last for several days to weeks, significantly affecting daily life and work.

Compared with the common cold, symptoms such as fever and cough in Influenza A are more pronounced, and symptoms worsen rapidly after onset, sometimes causing severe discomfort within a few hours. If you suspect you have contracted Influenza A, contact a doctor or visit a hospital promptly. During Influenza A season, personal protection and receiving the influenza vaccine are important measures to prevent Influenza A.