Flu symptoms for H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu:
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are the same as seasona flu. You cannot tell, by symptoms alone, which flu you have.
- Both seasonal and H1N1 influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times even death.
Here are the symptoms. If you have these symptoms, they are usually symptoms of the flu or influenza - a very contagious respiratory disease:
- fever
- headache
- muscle aches and pain
- sore throat
- cough or
- weakness
Symptoms for both the H1N1 and seasonal flu include fever, cough and sore throat. (Children may experience vomiting and diarrhea.)
A common cold may include a runny nose, stuffy nose, cough and sore throat, but a person with a cold will not usually have a headache, fever or muscle aches.
Stomach illnesses usually include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and are not usually a result of the H1N1 flu virus.
To be sure which type of flu you have, see your health care provider.
Also see http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ccom/flu/h1n1/public/care.aspx for more information.
Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are affecting different people:
- Over 90% of deaths and 60% of hospitalization due to seasonal flu viruses happens in people over 65 years old.
- With H1N1 flu virus, there are fewer cases reported in people over 64 years old. More severe cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24-years-old.
- Also, pregnant women and other previously recognized, high-risk medical conditions appear to be associated with more severe complications from the H1N1 flu virus.
Cold or Flu?
How do you know if you have a cold or the flu? Here are symptoms of the two illnesses.
|
Cold or Flu? |
|
How do you know if you have a cold or the flu? Here are symptoms of the two
illnesses |
|
SYMPTOM |
COLD |
FLU |
|
Fever |
Rare |
Usually high, sudden onset
Lasts 3 - 4 days |
|
Headache |
Rare |
Frequent |
|
Aches & Pains |
Slight |
Usual, often quite severe |
|
Weakness |
Rare / Mild |
Moderate to extreme
Can last up to one month |
|
Bedridden |
Rarely |
Frequently |
|
Sniffles |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Sneezing |
Usual |
Sometimes |
|
Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Cough |
Sometimes Mild to Moderate |
Usual can become severe |
|
Complications |
Sinus or Ear Infection |
Pneumonia, kidney failure
heart failure, can be life
threatening |