Fast facts on swine flu

Q. What are the symptoms of swine flu?

A. The same as for common seasonal flu: Cough, sore throat, chills, head and body aches, high fever (generally more than 101 degrees), vomiting and diarrhea.

In children, symptoms can also include fast or troubled breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, drowsiness and irritability, and fever with a rash.

Q. Am I at risk if I traveled to Mexico?

A. The State Department advises canceling any nonessential travel to Mexico, where the flu is believed to have originated. If you have been to affected areas or exposed to someone ill who's visited affected areas, symptoms would show up within seven days.

Q. How can I prevent the spread of the flu?

A. By taking the same precautions as for common flu: cover your sneeze and cough, wash your hands often and thoroughly, and minimize contact between sick and healthy people.

Q. What are the chances of dying from swine flu?

A. Swine flu is suspected to have killed more than 150 people in Mexico, and one in the United States so far. Most cases in this country have been relatively mild. Common seasonal flu, by comparison, kills an estimated 36,000 people in this country annually.

Sources: Illinois Department of Public Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control.