Know the Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms

Know the Difference between Cold and Swine Flu/AH1N1 Symptoms

Sore Throat
COLD - Sore throat is commonly present with a cold..
AH1N1 Flu - Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

Chest Discomfort
COLD - Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
AH1N1 Flu - Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

Headache
COLD - A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
AH1N1 Flu -A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sudden Symptoms
COLD - Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
AH1N1 Flu - The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Sneezing
COLD - Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
AH1N1 Flu - Sneezing is not common with the flu.

Tiredness
COLD - Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
AH1N1 Flu - Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

Chills
COLD - Chills are uncommon with a cold.
AH1N1 Flu - 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

Stuffy Nose
COLD - Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
AH1N1 Flu - Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.

Aches
COLD - Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
AH1N1 Flu - Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

Coughing
COLD - A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
AH1N1 Flu - A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Fever
COLD - Fever is rare with a cold.
AH1N1 Flu - Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.