Is it the FLU, or is it a COLD?

 

 

H1N1 Flu is, or about to be, upon us and we need to be on top of information regarding it

My guess is that if you have ever had a bad case of flu you will know when you are coming down with it again.

Early detection is the key to a quick recovery.  You just have to go in and let your doctor run the test.

 

   

 

Know the Difference Between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms

 

Symptom

Cold

H1N1 Flu

Fever

Fever is rare with a cold. 

Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu. 

Coughing

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

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

Aches

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

Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

Stuffy Nose

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

Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.

Chills

Chills are uncommon with a cold.

60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

Tiredness

Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.

Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

Sneezing

Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.

Sneezing is not common with the flu. 

Sudden Symptoms

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.. 

The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache

A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. 

A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat

Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.

 

Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu. 

Chest Discomfort

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. 

Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu..

 

The only way to stop the spread of an epidemic is to spread the awareness.

 

 

Take care and stay well.