Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms

Symptom


Cold


Swine 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 flu cases.

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.



RECOGNIZE SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS! DEFEND YOURSELF
High Risk Groups
· Children below 5 years
· Senior persons above 65 years
· HIV infected persons
· Diabetic patients
· Pregnant Women
· Lung & Heart patients
· Obese persons
Warning signs for children
§ Troubled or abnormal breathing
§ Bluish skin color
§ Lessened intake of water/fluids
§ Extended sleep or lack of interaction
§ Irritable
§ Fever with rash
§ Flu-like symptoms recede, but return with fever and worsened cough
Warning signs for adults
· Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain/pressure in chest/abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
ü Vaccine will be available for Swine Flu the end of October. Seasonal flu vaccines or past immunizations DO NOT provide protection against the H1N1 virus
ü Please visit a qualified physician if you suspect Swine Flu symptoms. Avoid self-treatment
* Persons infected with the H1N1 virus may be able to pass it on 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after infection
. TAKE CARE FRIENDS .