Responding to specific emergencies

Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms

Symptom

 Cold  Swine 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.

RECOGNIZE SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS! DEFEND YOURSELF

 

High Risk Groups

* Children below 5 years

* Senior persons above 65 years

* HIV infected persons

* Diabetic patients

* Pregnant Women

* Lung & Heart patients

* Obese persons

 

Warning signs for children

* Troubled or abnormal breathing

* Bluish skin color

* Lessened intake of water/fluids

* Extended sleep or lack of interaction

* Irritable

* Fever with rash

* Flu-like symptoms recede, but return with fever and worsened cough

 

Warning signs for adults

* Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath

* Pain/pressure in chest/abdomen

* Sudden dizziness

* Confusion

* Severe or persistent vomiting

o No vaccine is available for Swine Flu. Seasonal flu vaccines or past immunizations DO NOT provide protection against the H1N1 virus

o Please visit a qualified physician if you suspect Swine Flu symptoms. Avoid self-treatment

 

* Persons infected with the H1N1 virus may be able to pass it on 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after infection

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