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 flu 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.

Symptons 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:

cough & sneeze into your elbow

wash hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 15 -20 seconds. Sing your abc's or happy birthday to you

use hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available

avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing or using hand sanitizer first

stay home if you are sick to avoid contaminating your co-workers