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.