DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU& H1N1SYMPTOMS  

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 common 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 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.  

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