Here's the point. Fever,headache, tiredness, congestion, cough, sore throat etc., are symptoms of dozens of common ailments including several bacterial infections. What's the difference between those symptoms and strep throat? Pneumonia?
When government officials make blanket statements that you are "assumed to have the swine flu" they are essentially saying "don't bother going to the doctor".
You are absolutely correct. I tell my family and friends that one has to be Sherlock Holmes these days in almost every aspect of our lives, including illness because we can’t count on being told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. When you have symptoms, research them. I don’t know what else to tell you that might help your conundrum. There isn’t enough space to write the differences in the diseases/conditions you mention. I do feel your pain. I am a nurse and I look up everything to refresh myself on the problem or issue at hand so I can be prepared and decide whether I need to see the doctor and, if so, what I need to tell him/her.