DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1
SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOM
COLD
SEASONAL FLU
H1N1
Fever is usually present with H1N1
FEVER
Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is common with the seasonal flu. in up to 80% of all flue cases. A
temperature of 101°
A non-productive (non-mucus
A hacking, productive
(mucus-producing)
A dry and hacking cough is often present producing) cough is usually
COUGHING
cough is often present with the seasonal flu.
present with H1N1 (sometimes
with a cold.
referred to as dry cough).*
Slight body aches and
Moderate body aches are common with Severe aches and pains are common
ACHES
pains can be part of a
the seasonal flu.
with H1N1.*
cold.
Stuffy nose is commonly
present with a cold and
A runny nose is commonly present with Stuffy nose is not commonly present
STUFFY NOSE typically resolves
the seasonal flu.
with H1N1.
spontaneously within a
week.
Chills are uncommon Chills are mild to moderate with the
60% of people who have H1N1
CHILLS
with a cold.
seasonal flu.
experience chills.
Tiredness is moderate and more likely
Tiredness is fairly mild
Tiredness is moderate to severe with
TIREDNESS
referred to as a lack of energy with the
with a cold.
H1N1.*
seasonal flu.
Sneezing is commonly Sneezing is common present with the
SNEEZING
Sneezing is not common with H1N1.
present with a cold
seasonal flu.
Symptons tend to develop over a few
H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-6
days and include flushed face, loss of
hours. H1N1 hits hard and includes
Cold symptoms tend to
SUDDEN
appetite, dizziness and/or
sudden symptoms like high fever,
develop over a few
SYMPTOMS
vomiting/nausea. Symptoms usually last aches and pains. Symptoms usually
days.
4-7 days, depending on the individual.
last 4-7 days, depending on the
Diarrhea is common.
individual. Diarrhea is common.
A headache is fairly
A headache is fairly common with the A headache is very common with
HEADACHE
uncommon with a cold. seasonal flu.
H1N1 and present in 80% of cases.*
SORE
Sore throat is commonly Sore throat is commonly present with the Sore throat is not commonly present
THROAT
present with a cold.
seasonal flu.
with H1N1.
CHEST
Chest discomfort is mild Chest discomfort is moderate with the Chest discomfort is often severe with
DISCOMFORT to moderate with a cold. seasonal flu. If it turns severe seek medical H1N1.
attention immediately!
PREVENTION TIPS:
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