Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms

Symptom Cold H1N1 Flu

Fever Fever is rare with a Fever is usually present
cold. 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 A non-productive (non-
(mucus- producing) mucus producing) cough is
cough is often present usually present with the flu
with a cold. (sometimes referred to as
dry cough).
Aches Slight body aches and Severe aches and pains are
pains can be part of a common with the flu.
cold.
Stuffy Stuffy nose is Stuffy nose is not commonly
Nose commonly present with present with the flu.
a cold and typically
resolves spontaneously
within a week.
Chills Chills are uncommon 60% of people who have the
with a cold. flu experience chills.
Tiredness Tiredness is fairly mild Tiredness is moderate to
with a cold. severe with the flu.
Sneezing Sneezing is commonly Sneezing is not common
present with a cold. with the flu.
Sudden Cold symptoms tend to The flu has a rapid onset
Symptoms develop over a few within 3-6 hours. The flu
days. hits hard and includes
sudden symptoms like high
fever, aches and pains.
Headache A headache is fairly A headache is very common
uncommon with a cold. with the flu, present in 80%
of flu cases.
Sore Sore throat is Sore throat is not commonly
Throat commonly present with present with the flu.
a cold.
Chest Chest discomfort is Chest discomfort is often
Discomfor mild to moderate with
severe with the flu.
t a cold.