Symptoms of H1N1, The Swine Flu, Influenza A, and The Common Cold
Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 2009
by Steven Rogers
With all the talk about the swine flu (H1N1), I thought it appropriate for someone in the medical field to give some useful information. If you need medical attention go directly to the ER. This is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any symptoms. Always seek the opinion of a trusted physician. With that being said, lets get to it!
A big concern I hear is how to distinguish the swine flu from the regular flu. The answer is not what most people want to hear though. The two are very similar except on the molecular level so without expensive testing it is impossible. The good news is that treatment for both are the same so you know what to expect. I will list some of the symptoms of the flu (swine and otherwise) and below that some symptoms of the common cold as it is that time of year as well. These are often confused but are very different.
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu
- A fever of 100 degrees or more for three to four days
- A "dry cough" one that produces no mucus
- Severe body aches and pains
- 60% of people with the flu experience chills
- Flu victims usually have no runny nose
- Flu symptoms come at you rapidly usually within 3-6 hours
- A headache is very common in people with the flu
- Chest discomfort is severe in flu symptoms
Symptoms of the common cold
- Fever is rare with a cold
- A hacking mucus producing cough is often present
- Slight body aches can be common
- People with a cold usually don't get chills
- A stuffy nose is common and usually clears up spontaneously within a week
- Cold symptoms build slowly over a few days
- Usually no headache or chest discomfort with a cold
- Sneezing in most cases
They are very different illnesses. I usually recommend to people with a cold Tylenol as directed and lots of fluids. If you suspect the flu please do yourself a favor and seek a doctors care. Flu shots are usually available from your family doctor and are a good idea especially those at risk of catching and spreading the flu. Medical personnel and teachers should always get theirs. I take one every year. It doesn't always prevent the flu but it is a good line of defense. As far as the swine flu vaccine I can't tell you to take it or not but I will say that I have not and will not take it for reasons that you can guess. If you plan on taking it, do as you and your doctor think right and do your homework.
We keep hearing things on the news about the H1N1 pandemic and it sounds scary. The thing to remember is that the best way to stop the spread of this virus is to take personal responsibility. If you get it stay away from others who might get it from you. Wash your hands often. Cover your face when you cough or sneeze. If you follow these simple rules you can say you are doing your part to fight the spread of the swine flu. I hope you all have a great flu season and may God bless you.
Steven is a self proclaimed right wing Christian extremist. He is a former Marine and currently work in the laboratory of a cancer research and treatment facility. He is the father of three and is referred to as genius by his wife (mostly as a sarcastic term of endearment!)
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