Q. What are the symptoms of novel H1N1, or swine, flu?

A. The symptoms are similar to those of regular seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have reported having diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 also may cause a worsening of underlying chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Pregnant women also are at risk of complications. Those groups should check with their health care providers about any special care they might need.

In adults, the following symptoms signal immediate urgent medical attention is needed:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

(There are different emergency warning signs for children.)

Sometimes flu patients get bacterial infections at the same time or right after the influenza virus, leading to pneumonia, ear infections or sinus infections.

Q. How does swine flu spread?

A. The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread from person to person is from the respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. That can happen when the droplets are propelled through the air onto the mouth or nose of a nearby person or when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or object and then touches his own or someone else's mouth or nose before washing his hands.

Q. Should I go to a doctor's office or a hospital emergency room if I have symptoms of swine flu?

A. In most cases, it is better that a sick person stay away from the healthy public and be in isolation within his or her dormitory, home or apartment. A caregiver should be designated but should avoid getting any closer than 6 feet of the patient. The caregiver can check with a health care provider to see if antiviral medications, which require a prescription, are indicated, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say most people do not need them.

The CDC also warns that aspirin should NOT be given to children or teenagers as it can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

Fevers and aches can be treated with Tylenol (acetaminophen); Advil, Motrin or Nuprin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen).

If for some reason the patient does have to go out in public, he or she should wear a face mask or cover his or her nose and mouth.

Q. How long should a swine flu patient stay home?

A. Except for medical care or some other necessity, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

Q. What else can I do to ease my discomfort and hasten my recovery?

A. Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids to avoid dehydration.

Q. How serious is the 2009 swine flu?

A. The federal government said it does not yet know how severe this virus will be in the general population, but that like seasonal flu it can vary in severity from mild to severe.

For more information, go to the U.S. government Web site flu.gov and follow the prompts.