Change Font Size:

H1N1 (Swine) and Seasonal Flu
Is it a Cold or the Flu?

SYMPTOMS	COLD	INFLUENZA (FLU)
Fever	Rare	Characteristic, high (102-104°F) and lasts 3-4 days
Headache	Rare	Prominent
General Aches, Pains	Slight	Usual, often severe
Fatigue, Weakness	Quite Mild	Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion	Never	Early and prominent
Stuffy Nose	Common	Sometimes
Sneezing	Usual	Sometimes
Sore Throat	Common	Sometimes
Chest Discomfort	Mild to moderate, hacking cough	Common; can become severe
COMPLICATIONS	Sinus congestion or earache	Bronchitis; pneumonia; can be life-threatening
PREVENTION	None	Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines–see your doctor
TREATMENT	Temporary relief of symptoms with over-the-counter medicines	Antiviral medicines–see your doctor
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease

Concerned That You May Have the Flu?
Call our 24-hour free service, Dean on Call, at (800) 576-8773 (800-57-NURSE) to speak to a nurse. Dean on Call will help you decide the best course of action.

 

 

Print This Page  |  Send to friend