Differences Between Cold, Seasonal Flu & H1N1 Symptoms

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.

Symptoms tend to develop over a few days and include flushed face, loss of appetite, dizziness and/or vomiting/nausea. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.

H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. H1N1 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.

Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.

Moderate body aches are common with the seasonal flu.

Severe aches and pains are common with H1N1.

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.

Chest discomfort is moderate with the seasonal flu. If it turns severe seek medical attention immediately!

Chest discomfort is often severe with H1N1.

Chills are uncommon with a cold.

Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu.

60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills.

A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold.

A dry and hacking cough is often present with the seasonal flu.

A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with H1N1.

Fever is rare with a cold.

Fever is common with the seasonal flu.

Fever is usually present with H1N1 in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 101°

A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.

A headache is fairly common with the seasonal flu.

A headache is very common with H1N1 and present in 80% of cases.

Sneezing is commonly present with a cold

Sneezing is commonly present with the seasonal flu.

Sneezing is not common with H1N1.

Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.

Sore throat is commonly present with the seasonal flu.

Sore throat is not common with H1N1.

Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.

A runny nose is commonly present with the seasonal flu.

Stuffy nose is not common with H1N1.

Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.

Tiredness is moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy with the seasonal flu.

Tiredness is moderate to severe with H1N1.