DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD & SWINE FLU & SEASONAL FLU SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOM
COLD
SWINE FLU
SEASONAL FLU
FEVER
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with H1N1 in up to 80% of all flue cases. A temperature of 101°
Fever is common with the seasonal 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 H1N1 (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
A dry and hacking cough is often present with the seasonal flu.
ACHES
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with H1N1.
Moderate body aches are common with the seasonal 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 H1N1.
A runny nose is commonly present with the seasonal flu.
CHILLS
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills..
Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu.
TIREDNESS
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with H1N1.
Tiredness is moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy with the seasonal flu.
SNEEZING
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold
Sneezing is not common with H1N1.
Sneezing is common present with the seasonal flu.
SUDDEN SYMPTOMS
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. H1N1 hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.
Symptoms tend to develop over a few days and include flushed face, loss of appetite, dizziness and/or vomiting/nausea.
Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual.
Diarrhea is common.
HEADACHE
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with H1N1 and present in 80% of cases.
A headache is fairly common with the seasonal flu.
SORE THROAT
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with H1N1.
Sore throat is commonly present with the seasonal flu.
CHEST DISCOMFORT
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with H1N1.
Chest discomfort is moderate with the seasonal flu.
If it turns severe seek medical attention immediately!
PREVENTION TIPS:
ücough & sneeze into your elbow
üwash hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 15 -20 seconds. Sing your abc's or happy birthday to you
üuse hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available
üavoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing or using hand sanitizer first
üstay home if you are sick to avoid contaminating your co-workers