DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM

COLD

SEASONAL FLU

H1N1

FEVER 

Fever is rare with a cold. 

Fever is common with the seasonal flu.  

Fever is usually present with H1N1 in up to 80% of all flue cases. A temperature of 101° 

COUGHING 

A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold. 

A dry and hacking cough is often present with the seasonal flu. 

A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with H1N1 (sometimes referred to as dry cough).* 

ACHES 

Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. 

Moderate body aches are common with the seasonal flu. 

Severe aches and pains are common with H1N1.* 

STUFFY NOSE 

Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. 

A runny nose is commonly present with the seasonal flu. 

Stuffy nose is not commonly present with H1N1. 

CHILLS 

Chills are uncommon with a cold. 

Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu. 

60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills. 

TIREDNESS 

Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. 

Tiredness is moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy with the seasonal flu. 

Tiredness is moderate to severe with H1N1.* 

SNEEZING 

Sneezing is commonly present with a cold 

Sneezing is common present with the seasonal flu. 

Sneezing is not common with H1N1. 

SUDDEN SYMPTOMS

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. 

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. 

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. 

HEADACHE 

A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.

 A headache is fairly common with the seasonal flu. 

A headache is very common with H1N1 and present in 80% of cases.* 

SORE THROAT 

Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.

Sore throat is commonly present with the seasonal flu. 

Sore throat is not commonly present with H1N1. 

CHEST DISCOMFORT

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. 

Chest discomfort is moderate with the seasonal flu. If it turns severe seek medical attention immediately! 

Chest discomfort is often severe with H1N1. 

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