Final answer:
The diagnosis of swine flu involves clinical presentation, medical history and physical examination, and lab tests to detect the virus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diagnosis of swine flu, also known as H1N1, involves several steps:
- Clinical Presentation: The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
- Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms, medical history, and possible exposure to the virus. They will also perform a physical examination to check for signs of infection.
- Lab Tests: To confirm the diagnosis, a lab test is required. The most common test is a nasal or throat swab, which is sent to a laboratory for testing. The test detects the presence of the swine flu virus in the respiratory secretions.
If the test results are positive for the swine flu virus, the diagnosis is confirmed, and appropriate treatment can be initiated.