Do you have H1N1 Flu or Is It Just A Cold?
Posted: Thursday, October 01, 2009
by Abigail Richards
Ok, I tend to favor the hypochondria side when it comes to sickness. My husband gets quite a kick how a bump on my child's head can automatically mean cancer and an urgent after hours appointment is booked.
With all the fear that surrounds the swine flu, it is necessary for me to assume the worst when I hear the tiniest cough come from my child. My husband was quick to have the research as to what is just a cough and what is acceptable symptoms to fear the flu.
Fever
Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present with the flu. My son topped out around 104 during his week long battle with the flu two years ago. Typically with the flu, a temperature over 101 is normal for three or four days.
Cough
Is the cough productive or not? A hacking productive cough usually means it is a cold. A dry cough or non-productive is usually present with the flu.
Aches
When my son had the flu he just laid in bed complaining and crying about hurting all over. Severe aches and pains are common with the flu. just slight aches for colds.
Stuffy nose
Stuffy noses are not issues with the flu where with a cold, it is present.
Tiredness
This is visibly noticeable with the flu. You want to sleep all day. With a cold, it is fairly mild.
Chest pain
Chest pain is severe with the flu, but only mild with a cold.
Sore throat
Sore throat is normally not present with the flu but is with a cold.
These are just guidelines. Flu symptoms come on fast usually within three to six hours. As soon as you feel these symptoms, call the doctor immediately. There are medications to make the flu more manageable if taken within the first 48 hours.
In my son's case two years ago, he was misdiagnosed and ended up with more complications such as pneumonia and ear infections. My advice is if the fever is high, go in. Otherwise, you run the risk of contracting it in the doctor's office.
I wish you a flu free season or at least a mild one!
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Thanks for the tips Abigail! There is indeed a big difference between flu and a cold (or man-flu as its sometimes known!) I am sure a lot of people will benefit from these simply presented and clear tips. Julian
My brother and cousin are physicians (surgeon and Internal Med) have been dealing with this on a daily basis over the past three months.Thanks for a very informative and well-written article!
Hi Abigail! Fantastic article!I would like to include it on a page on my website! Please let me know if I can do this!Thanks~Celeste
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