Health Care And Beauty

Do you know the difference between the H1N1 Flu Symptoms and the common cold

Coughing - A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Fever - Fever is rare with a cold. 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 H1N1 flu.

Aches – Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.

Stuffy Nose - Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chills – Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.

Tiredness – Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.

Sneezing – Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.

Sudden Symptoms – Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache – A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat – Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chest Discomfort – Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.

Hans K Anderson

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What better way to help prevent catching it then to understand how the H1N1 flu is spread, with flu season just around the corner.

Basically the H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spread the same way as any regular seasonal influenza. The H1N1 can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and their germs enter the nose, eyes, or throat of another person.

H1N1 germs can also be found on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, and can be picked up by the touch of the hand and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth or nose. Try to make it a habit of scratching your facial area with your wrist or forearm area if possible.

Hans K Anderson

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