Know the Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms ...

Know the Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms

 

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.