COLD VS H1N1

By Joseph Hazan, M.D., FACOG

There are several differences in the way

these two entities present clinically.

Here we will list the differences in symptoms

of the cold versus H1N1.

1) FEVER is rare with a cold.

However in 80% of all flu cases fever

is present. Temperature over 100 for

a few days is seen with the flu.

2) COUGH

With a cold there is usually a mucus

producing cough.

With the flu, there is a dry, non-mucus

producing cough.

3) ACHES

With a cold there are slight body aches.

With the flu body aches are severe.

4) STUFFY NOSE

With a cold a stuffy nose is usual and clears  up

in a week.

With the flu stuffy nose is not usually seen.

5) CHILLS

With a cold chills are not common.

With the flu the incidence of chills is 60%.

6) FATIGUE

With a cold there is mild tiredness.

With the flu tiredness is mostly severe.

7) SNEEZING

With a cold it is very common.

With the flu sneezing is uncommon.

8) SUDDEN ONSET

With a cold symptoms start over a few days.

The flu starts suddenly over a few hours and

hits hard with sudden symptoms of fever and

body aches.

9) HEADACHE

Unusual with a cold.

Found in 80% of the flu cases.

10) SORE THROAT

Common with a cold.

Usually not seen with the flu.

11) CHEST DISCOMFORT

With a cold it is mild or moderate.

With the flu it is usually severe.