How can you tell if you might have swine flu and should see a doctor? Here's a checklist of symptoms linked to the disease, which is suspected of killing more than 150 people in Mexico and sickening hundreds more around the globe:

To avoid confusion with other respiratory illnesses, Santa Clara County's public health department released these specific conditions to be considered for swine flu testing.

  • Symptoms must include a fever above 100°F or 37.8°C, plus and one or more signs or symptoms including:

  • Head and body aches

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Chills

  • Trouble breathing

  • vomiting and/or diarrhea.

    People who experience a fever of 100°F and one or more symptoms should call their doctor or clinic. Plan to provide the following information:

  • Types of symptoms you are experiencing.
  • Whether you had any recent travel to Mexico
  • Whether you had contact with someone who may have influenza.

    The incubation period for swine flu, as with other strains of influenza, is two to seven days, according to public health officials.

    Source: Santa Clara County public health department

    Advertisement