Differences Between a cold, H1N1, and seasonal flu

SYMPTOM	COLD	SWINE FLU	SEASONAL FLU
FEVER	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is usually present with H1N1 in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 101°	Fever is common with the seasonal 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 H1N1 (sometimes referred to as dry cough).	A dry and hacking cough is often present with the seasonal flu.
ACHES	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Severe aches and pains are common with H1N1.	Moderate body aches are common with the seasonal 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 H1N1.	A runny nose is commonly present with the seasonal flu.
CHILLS	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills.	Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu.
TIREDNESS	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with H1N1.	Tiredness is moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy with the seasonal flu.
SNEEZING	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.	Sneezing is not common with H1N1.	Sneezing is commonly present with the seasonal flu.
SUDDEN SYMPTOMS	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. H1N1 hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.	Symptoms tend to develop over a few days and include flushed face, loss of appetite, dizziness and/or vomiting/nausea. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.
HEADACHE	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with H1N1 and present in 80% of cases.	A headache is fairly common with the seasonal flu.
SORE THROAT	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is not commonly present with H1N1.	Sore throat is commonly present with the seasonal flu.
CHEST DISCOMFORT	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with H1N1.	Chest discomfort is moderate with the seasonal flu. If it turns severe seek medical attention immediately!

PREVENTION TIPS:

• cough & sneeze into your elbow


• wash hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 15 -20
  seconds. Sing your abc's
  or happy birthday to you


• use hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available


• avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing or using
  hand sanitizer first


• stay home if you are sick to avoid contaminating your
  co-workers