Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms | Symptom | Cold | Swine 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 100F 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 presentwith a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. | Stuffy nose is notcommonly present with the flu. |
| Chills | Chills areuncommon with a cold. | 60% of people who have the flu experiencechills. |
| Tiredness | Tiredness is fairlymild with a cold. | Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. |
| Sneezing | Sneezing is commonly presentwith a cold. | Sneezing is notcommon 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 fairlyuncommon with a cold. | A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases. |
| Sore Throat | Sore throat is commonly presentwith a cold. | Sore throat is notcommonly present with the flu. |
| Chest Discomfort | Chest discomfort ismild to moderate with a cold. | Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu. |
RECOGNIZE SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS! DEFEND YOURSELF High Risk Groups Children below 5 years Senior persons above 65 years HIV infected persons Diabetic patients Pregnant Women Lung & Heart patients Obese persons
Warning signs for children Troubled or abnormal breathing Bluish skin color Lessened intake of water/fluids Extended sleep or lack of interaction Irritable Fever with rash Flu-like symptoms recede, but return with fever and worsened cough
Warning signs for adults Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath Pain/pressure in chest/abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting * Please visit a qualified physician if you suspect Swine Flu symptoms. Avoid self-treatment * Persons infected with the H1N1 virus may be able to pass it on 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after infection
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