How can you differentiate between a person with seasonal flu and someone with swine H1N1 flu? On the basis of physical symptoms, on the basis of the laboratory testing or by observing if a person is behaving strangely?

serpa

This source indicates laboratory testing must be done. Because the symptoms are similar to other human influenza, laboratory testing is required to confirm a case of human Influenza A (H1N1). To diagnose H1N1 Influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first four to five days of illness (the most infectious stage), however, some people, especially children, maybe contagious for seven days or longer. Identification as influenza A (H1N1) virus requires sending the specimen to a special laboratory for testing. http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/ParlSupport/ResearchPapers/c/1/8/00PLSoc09041-Human-Influenza-A-H1N1-Swine-Flu.htm About half way down the page. Nov 06 09, 10:05 AM