DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 SYMPTOMS |
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SYMPTOM | COLD | SEASONAL FLU | H1N1 |
| 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° |
| 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).* |
| 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 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 are uncommon with a cold. | Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu. | 60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills. |
| 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 is commonly present with a cold | Sneezing is common present with the seasonal flu. | Sneezing is not common with H1N1. |
| Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. | 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. | 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.. |
| 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 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 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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-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 |
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