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On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway. Click here. to read more about this situation.

This is a pretty good, side to side comparison of symptoms so you have a better idea of what you or someone in your family might have this cold/flu season.


 

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 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.

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 commonlypresent 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 alack of energy with the seasonal flu.

Tiredness is moderate to severe with H1N1.*

SNEEZING

Sneezing is commonly presentwith 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.

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.

HEADACHE

A headache is fairly uncommonwith 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 commonlypresent 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

CDC Flu View Map Widget. Flash Player 9 is required.

 

Swine Flu. Flash Player 9 is required.