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H1N1: Information is the Best Defense!
Despite predictions from researchers at Purdue University that the H1N1 outbreak will peak this week, the reality is that it won't be going away any time soon. Let's not forget that the news is filled with shortages of the vaccine, as the number of H1N1 cases continues to surge across the country. Federal officials have warned that a second, larger outbreak could occur in early January.
The reality is that the best way to stop the spread of H1N1 is to know the symptoms and to take steps to protect yourself and others from it. The following information can help.
What are the symptoms of H1N1... and how are they different from the common cold?
| 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. |
If you think you have the H1N1 flu, you should take a few common sense steps to protect your friends, family members, and coworkers. For instance, if you feel sick, stay home until you feel better and have gone at least 24 hours without relying on medicine to break your fever.
In addition, wash your hands, linens, dishes, and so on, thoroughly. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away immediately. Finally, if you have to share a small space with other people, consider wearing a facemask to help make sure you don't spread the flu to the people around you.
Follow these steps and monitor your symptoms to help stop the spread of H1N1... remain happy & healthy!
