The Difference Between a Cold and the H1N1 Symptoms
Symptoms Cold Swine Flu
Fever Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present in up to
80% of all flu cases. A temperature
of 100 degrees or higher for 3 to 4
days is associated with the flu.
Coughing A hacking, productive A nonproductive (non-mucus
(mucus producing cough is producing) cough is usually present
often present with a cold. with the flu (sometimes referred to
as a dry cough).
Aches Slight body aches and pains Severe aches and pains are
can be part of a cold. common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose Stuffy nose is commonly Stuffy nose is not commonly
present with a cold and present with the flu.
typically resolves
spontaneously within a
week.
Chills Chills are uncommon with a 60% of people who have the flu
cold. experience chills.
Tiredness Tiredness is fairly mild with a Tiredness is moderate to severe
cold. with the flu.
Sneezing Sneezing is commonly Sneezing is not common with the
present with a cold. flu.
Sudden Cold symptoms tend to The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6
Symptoms develop over a few days. hours. The flu hits hard and
includes sudden symptoms like
high fever, aches and pains.
Headache A headache is fairly A headache is very common with
uncommon with a cold. the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat Sore throat is commonly Sore throat is not commonly
present with a cold. present with the flu.
Chest Chest discomfort is mild to Chest discomfort is often severe
Discomfort moderate with a cold. with the flu.