DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

COLD

SEASONAL FLU

H1N1

FEVER

Fever is rare with a cold.

Fever is common with the seasonal flu.  

Fever is usually present with H1N1 in up to 80% of all flue cases. A temperature of 101°

COUGHING

A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold.

A dry and hacking cough is often present with the seasonal flu.

A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with H1N1 (sometimes referred to as dry cough).*

ACHES

Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.

Moderate body aches are common with the seasonal flu.

Severe aches and pains are common with H1N1.*

STUFFY NOSE

Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.

A runny nose is commonly present with the seasonal flu.

Stuffy nose is not commonly present with H1N1.

CHILLS

Chills are uncommon with a cold.

Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu.

60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills.

TIREDNESS

Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.

Tiredness is moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy with the seasonal flu.

Tiredness is moderate to severe with H1N1.*

SNEEZING

Sneezing is commonly present with a cold

Sneezing is commonly present with the seasonal flu.

Sneezing is not common with H1N1.

SUDDEN SYMPTOMS

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.

Symptoms tend to develop over a few days and include flushed face, loss of appetite, dizziness and/or vomiting/nausea. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.

H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. H1N1 hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.

HEADACHE

A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.

 A headache is fairly common with the seasonal flu.

A headache is very common with H1N1 and present in 80% of cases.*

SORE THROAT

Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.

Sore throat is commonly present with the seasonal flu.

Sore throat is not commonly present with H1N1.

CHEST DISCOMFORT

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.

Chest discomfort is moderate with the seasonal flu. If it turns severe seek medical attention immediately!

Chest discomfort is often severe with H1N1.

PREVENTION TIPS:

- cough & sneeze into your elbow

- wash hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 15 -20 seconds. Sing your abc's or happy birthday

- use hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available

- avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing or using hand sanitizer first