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. |