|
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 flu cases.
|
Fever is common with seasonal flu.
|
|
Coughing
|
A hacking, productive (mucous-producing) cough is often present with a cold.
|
A non-productive (non mucous 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 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.
|