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It seems that there is a lot of fear out there regarding the H1N1 or Swine Flu right now. It has garnered a lot of media attention and my pediatrician told me last week that they see cases of it every day and have seen more H1N1 than the regular flu at this point.
I am a researcher, a person who likes to have all of the information, especially regarding health issues. So when I received this chart in a e-mail today from my sister-in-law Jen, I was so happy to have a better understanding of it. It just made me feel empowered to identify symptoms in my children with knowledge.
I am hoping it helps you too.
Here is a comparison of H1N1 flu symptoms and cold symptoms...
| Symptom | Cold | H1N1 Flu |
| Fever | Fever is rare with a cold. | Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu. |
| Coughing | A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. | A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough). |
| Aches | Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. | Severe aches and pains are common with the flu. |
| Stuffy Nose | Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. | Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu. |
| Chills | Chills are uncommon with a cold. | 60% of people who have the flu experience chills. |
| Tiredness | Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. | Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. |
| Sneezing | Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. | Sneezing is not common with the flu. |
| Sudden Symptoms | Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. | The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. |
| Headache | A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. | A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases. |
| Sore Throat | Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. | Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu. |
| Chest Discomfort | Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. | Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu. |
12 comments:
Thank you! Like you, I always feel much better have all of the information I can have. This certainly helps. :)
Brigetta-
Just a reminder to everyone that in any case (flu/h1n1 etc...) a child who is having difficulty breathing or is extremely lethargic is one who needs to be seen by a doctor.
Thank you so much for providing this information. With two young boys it is nice to use this as a reference. You are so helpful! Hope all is well and healthy in your home.
hmmmm...it appears I have had both the flu and a cold in the last four days...it has been good times let me tell you!
as far as your housing options...I think option number two...I don't think i'd ever feel like home with other peoples furniture.
have a great week!
I thought about doing a post on the flu today also, but I didn't. I haven't written a thing today.
Thanks for the chart. It is great info to have.
I love the 'rest' post...so sweet!
thanks, this is great to have!! my daughter had 345 out at her school today - yikes!
I've just recovered from it and all of those symptoms are accurate. It was horrible but not unlike flu I've had before...maybe a bit worse, but not that much. x
Great post.
Unfortunately, my sister's little one did contract H1N1 and it led to viral pneumonia...rapidly!
This is a kiddo that is completely healthy (no underlying medical conditions) and ALL BOY. He is 4-years old.
He went from high fever/flu-like symptoms to pneumonia in a matter of hours.
Thanks for the chart and as one of your fellow commenters pointed out...if you think your child is having difficulty breathing, do not hesitate to go to the ER! (Ironically, the pediatrican's office did not want to see or swab him in the days prior; just too many flu cases for them to manage, I suppose!)
So, thanks again. P.S. B/c of all the drama with my nephew, I just now got to read Montana Part 2...loved it!!!
What a fabulous resource. Thank you!
Thank you for that information! It is great knowing what to expect now. And thank you for your help with my stitch issues! I will definitely take your advice. :)
Thanks for the info. Everyone I know has sick kids home. It's a little scary. I pray we make it unscathed.
THANK YOU, thank you!!!
I have printed out your chart and appreciate the resource!!
You rock!!!
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