Know the Difference between a Cold and the H1N1 (Swine) Flu

My brother sent me this information today and I thought it provided a good comparison of Cold and Swine Flu symptoms.

"If in doubt … have it checked out."

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.

Source: BayRidgeTalk For a printable version: PDF Version

More information on the Swine Flu: Find the Answers