Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms:
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Symptom
|
Cold
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H1N1 Flu
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Fever
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Fever is rare
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Temperatures of 100?F or higher for 3 to 4 days
|
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Coughing
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A hacking (mucus–producing) cough is often present
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A dry cough is usually present
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|
Aches
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Slight body aches and pains
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Severe aches and pains
|
|
Stuffy Nose
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Stuffy nose is commonly present and typically resolves spontaneously within a week
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Stuffy nose is not commonly present
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Chills
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Chills are uncommon
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Chills occur in 60% of cases
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Tiredness
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Tiredness is fairly mild
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Tiredness is moderate to severe
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Sneezing
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Sneezing is common
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Sneezing is not common
|
|
Sudden Symptoms
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Symptoms tend to develop over a few days
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Rapid onset within 3-6 hours with sudden symptoms of high fever – muscle aches – shortness of breath – tight chest
|
|
Headache
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Headaches are fairly mild
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Headache occur in 80% of cases
|
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Sore Throat
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Sore throat is commonly present
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Sore throat is not commonly present
|
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Chest Discomfort
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Chest discomfort is mild to moderate
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Chest discomfort is often severe
|
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According to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, those who died of swine flu often had co-infections with bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus. researchers analyzed specimens taken from 77 fatal cases of H1N1. Bacterial infections such as Streptococcus pneumonia were found in about one-third of the cases analyzed.
How do I protect myself and my family from Novel Influenza A (H1N1)?
- Wash your hands. After you sneeze, handle raw food or use the toilet, be sure to wash your hands. Before you eat you should wash your hands as well. Proper hand washing takes about 20 seconds (about as long as the Happy Birthday song) using a bar or liquid soap. Alternatively, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
(Source: mayoclinic.com) - Disinfect the surfaces in your home. By cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in your home such as countertops, telephones and doorknobs you can help prevent viruses from spreading from person to person.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. If you do come into contact with someone who is sick, avoid touching your nose and mouth. This will help prevent germs from spreading.
- If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
John Ayers 