is it just a cold...or swine flu?

Stay well everyone and I hope this helps!

Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms

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.

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).

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

Severeaches and pains are common with the flu.

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 are uncommon with a cold.

60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.

Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.

Sneezing is not common with the flu.

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.

A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.

A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.

Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.

Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

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

· Seasonal flu vaccines or past immunizations DO NOT provide protection against the H1N1 virus

· 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