is it h1n1?

There is a serious virus going around my kids' school. So many kids and teachers are coming down with a cough and fever. My little guy caught the bug this weekend. Is it flu? Swine flu? Or just a bug?

I've heard so many things. Some say that it could be swine flu, that the seasonal flu hasn't hit yet. They aren't testing for swine flu unless you are admitted to a hospital. But does it even matter? I decided to look up the more serious symptoms to watch for so I would know if we were crossing into more dangerous territory than "just a bug."

Before I went to the CDC website, I stumbled upon this page which had great flu information clearly presented. It even offered phone numbers to call for advice! Too bad the website is in the UK. (Maybe that says something about health plans? OK, I'll stop. . .)

The CDC website reports:
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:

* fever (It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.)
* cough
* sore throat
* runny or stuffy nose
* body aches
* headache
* chills
* fatigue
* sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

More serious symptoms that would indicate that a child with swine flu would need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish or gray skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Another mom recommended using Elderberry as an anti-viral for adults and children. I might look into that. In the meantime I'm taking a daily does of homeopathic flu remedy, Oscillococcinum (which, by the way, is safe for ages 2 and up).

Hope everyone stays healthy! And I hope my little man gets over his fever without incident.