| DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 SYMPTOMS |
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| 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 flu 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 commonly 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. |
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| PREVENTION TIPS: |
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- cough & sneeze into your elbow
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- wash hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 15 -20 seconds. (Sing your ABC’s or “Happy Birthday to You”)
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- use hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available
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- avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing or using hand sanitizer first
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