H1N1 versus Common Cold - Here's how to tell the difference

"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain."

  H1N1 FLU: Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms

Symptom
Cold
H1N1 Flu

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 flu.
 

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 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches

Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.

Severe aches and pains are common with the 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 flu.
 

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

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

Sneezing 

Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.

Sneezing is not common with the flu.

Sudden Symptoms 

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
The 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 flu, present in 80% of flu20cases.

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

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

The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness!