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.