Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1Flu Symptoms
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 H1N1 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 H1N1 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 H1N1 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 H1N1 flu.
Chills
-Chills are uncommon with a cold. -60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.
Tiredness
-Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. -Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.
Sneezing
-Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. -Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.
Sudden Symptoms
-Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. -The H1N1flu 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 H1N1 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 H1N1flu.
Chest Discomfort
-Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. -Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1flu.
The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness