What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza?
The symptoms of H1N1 or seasonal influenza consist most commonly of sudden onset of fever (equal to or higher than 100-degrees F / 38-degrees C), body aches, cough and/or sore throat; may include also nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Students with these symptoms, and no other explanation for the symptoms, are presumed to have the H1N1 virus and are treated as if their influenza-illness is caused by H1N1. Colds are common this time of year, causing sore throat, runny or stuffy nose; cold symptoms are usually milder than flu and do not come on as suddenly. Fall is also an allergy season in Rhode Island with typical symptoms of sore throat, sinus congestion and sneezing. The estimated incubation period (time from exposure to development of symptoms) for H1N1 influenza is unknown and could range from 1-7 days, more likely 1-4 days. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Guidance for Clinicians). As with many viruses, it appears that patients can transmit the virus for about 24 hours
