Online self-assessment tool on MayoClinic.com helps assess flu symptoms

Online self-assessment tool helps evaluate symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 swine flu

"My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have the flu or is it just because I'm stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine, too?"

Millions of Americans will be asking themselves these and more questions this fall and winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

The flu symptoms self-assessment tool on MayoClinic.com helps you assess whether you or your loved ones have some form of flu, or just a cold. If you possibly or likely have the flu, you'll also learn whether antiviral medication is an option. And you can check a concise list of high-risk groups who should seek medical attention for the flu.

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. If you're generally healthy and you catch influenza -- commonly called the flu -- you're likely to feel rotten for a few days, but you probably won't develop complications or need hospital care. If you have a weakened immune system or chronic illness though, influenza can be fatal.

Novel H1N1 flu, popularly known as swine flu, is a respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus first recognized in spring 2009. The new virus, which is officially called swine influenza A (H1N1), contains genetic material from human, swine and avian flu viruses. Unlike typical swine flu, H1N1 flu spreads quickly and easily.

Based on the expertise of Mayo Clinic infectious disease and epidemiology scientists and physicians, and other specialists for specific populations such as children or pregnant women, MayoClinic.com provides continually-updated and credible information regarding the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines and treatment recommendations.