The Swine Flu, also known as H1N1, is causing a lot of headlines.
Hey, any flu, can cause serious problems and deaths especially among our most vulnerable.
How can a layperson like you or me distinguish between just a common cold and the flu? Many of the symptoms are similar.
Although this should not be construed as medical advice, i.
e.
contact your doctor if in doubt, there are some differences in symptoms.
The flu hits like a freight train, usually in 3-6 hours, and has sudden symptoms.
These typically include a high fever, often 100+ degrees for several days, and aches and pains including chest pain.
Many people experience chills although not everyone.
Moderate to severe tiredness to exhaustion is common as well as headaches.
The flu usually does not include a sore throat, stuffy nose, or sneezing.
A cold is different, although similar.
It develops usually over a few days.
A fever is rare, but sneezing, a stuffy nose, and sore throat are a common.
You will not feel well, but any aches will be very slight, there should be no extreme tiredness, and mild if any chest discomfort and headache.
Coughing is also different between the flu and a cough.
The flu typically has a dry cough, but a cold, normally has a mucus producing, or "productive" cough as it is normally called.
There are significant differences between the flu and the common cold, but if you have any concerns, see a medical professional.
You cannot self diagnose, and symptoms do vary.