With flu season upon us, and with the increasing number of H1N1 flu cases being reported, more people are making the trip to the doctor. So how can you tell if it’s a cold, seasonal flu or H1N1?
“The flu is usually much worse than the common cold,” said Fred Sutton, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer, Harris County Hospital District. “Colds will generally last a few days, while the flu normally lasts much longer. Complications from colds are relatively minor, but seasonal flu and H1N1 can both lead to pneumonia and hospitalizations. If you have symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor.”
The common cold and flu are both contagious viral infections. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Nasal congestion, sore throat and sneezing are common with colds. Both colds and flu bring coughing, headache and chest discomfort. With the flu, though, you are likely to run a high fever for several days and have headache, body aches, fatigue and weakness.
Whether a person has typical seasonal flu or H1N1 flu, the symptoms are also similar. Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and come on quickly. Symptoms of H1N1 flu and seasonal flu include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough. H1N1 is also associated with vomiting and diarrhea.
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, experts recommend the following:
- Stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care.
- Take prescription antiviral drugs when symptoms first appear to shorten the duration of illness.
- Adults can use over-the-counter cold and flu medicines to get relief from fever and aches. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 4.
- Use decongestants and saline nasal sprays to open breathing passages to help you breathe.
- Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and juices. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and colas that rob your body of fluids.
“Despite precautions, many people will catch a cold or the flu this year,” Sutton said. “If you become ill, the most important thing to do is stay home and rest so that you get well and you don’t infect others.”
Chart: Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms
|
Symptom |
Cold |
H1N1 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. |
