Cold & Flu Differences

[MomW773]

Very good to know for cold & flu season

FEVER-   1) Cold- Rare with a cold.  2) Swine Flu- fever usually present in 80% of all cases with temp of 101.  3) Seasonal Flu- Fever is common.

COUGHING- 1) Cold- A hacking, productive (mucus producing) cough is often present with a cold. 2) Swine Flu- A non-productive (non mucus producing) cough is usually present (sometimes refered to as dry cough). 3) Seasonal Flu- a dry and hacking cough  is often present.

ACHES- 1) Cold- Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. 2) Swine Flu- Severe aches and pains are common.  3) Moderate body aches are common.

STUFFY NOSE- 1) Cold- Commonly present and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.  2) Swine Flu- Not commonly persent. 3)  Seasonal Flu- Commonly present.

CHILLS- 1) Cold- Uncommon. 2) Swine Flu- 60% of people experience chills. 3) Seasonal Flu- Mild to moderate.

TIREDNESS- 1) Cold- Farily mild with a cold. 2) Swine Flu- Moderate to severe. 3) Moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy.

SNEEZING-  1) Cold- Commonly present. 2) Swine Flu- Not common. 3) Seasonal Flu- Commonly present.

SUDDEN SYMPTOMS-  1) Cold- Tend to develop over a few days. 2) Swine Flu- Rapid onset with 3-6 hours.  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.  3)  Seasonal Flu- Symptoms tend to develop over a few days and include flushed face, loss of appetite, dizziness and/or vomiting/nauseau. 

HEADACHE- 1) Cold- Farily uncommon. 2) Swine Flu- Very common and present in 80% of cases.  3) Seasonal Flu- Farily common.

SORE THROAT-  1) Cold- Commonly present. 2) Swine Flu- Not commonly present. 3) Seasonal Flu- Commonly present.

CHEST DISCOMFORT- 1) Cold- Mild to moderate. 2) Swine Flu- Often severe. 3) Seasonal Flu- Moderate (if it turns severe, seek medical attention immediately)

PREVENTION TIPS:

* Cough & sneeze into your elbow. 

* Wash hands with soap & warm water for a minimum of 15-20 seconds.  Sing your abc's, or happy birthday to you.

* Use hand sanitizer when soap & water not available.

* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing hands or using hand sanitizer first.

* Stay home if you are sick to avoid contaminating others!       

         

 

[roseisrose]

Oct. 22, 2009 at 4:45 PM

this is great, thanks hon!