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H1N1 flu is about to be upon us and we need to be on top of information regarding it. Here is a comparison of H1N1 to the normal cold symptoms.

Know the difference between cold and H1N1 Flu symptoms:

Fever

Fever is rare with a cold but 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 H1N1 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 H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches

Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold, but with H1N1 flu severe aches and pains are common.

Stuffy Nose

Stuffy nose is usually present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chills

Chills are uncommon with a cold but a full 60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.

Tiredness

Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold but moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.

Sneezing

Sneezing is almost always present with a cold, but not common With H1N1.

Headache

A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold, but is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat

Sore throat is commonly present with a cold, but not so with H1N1.

Chest Discomfort

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold and can be severe with H1N1.

Sudden Symptoms

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

We do not need to panic. We do need to take the precautions our health care providers have suggested.

The only points of entry are the mouth and nasal routes. So we should focus on protecting the virus from gaining entry.

Washing hands frequently. Refrain from touching the face with your hands. Sneeze into your sleeve. Build your immune system. Get the rest that you need. Take daily vitamin supplements, and add Vitamin C if you do not take it already. Help your body do its’ job which is to keep you well!

There is a gap in time from when we injest the H1N1, until it reproduces dramatically and makes us sick. So if we do the following we may well render it harmless even though it has entered.

Some Doctors are recommending we gargle with salt solution 2-3 times per day, as this will kill the offending bacteria that lurk in our mouth & throat area.

In addition, it is suggested that you rinse your sinuses and nasal passages with a saline solution. Your druggist can help you with that as the little Neti pots are available at drug stores. A saline nasal spray may be beneficial as well.

Vaccines are now available in BC this week, so consult with your physician or health care provider about its’ suitability for you and the ones you love.

H1N1 is a real health issue. There are things you CAN do to reduce the likelihood of your getting this flu. Be aware of the current information.

Be on top of what is wise to do for yourself and others. Educate your children about their responsibility also. And wash hands, wash hands, wash hands!

Good Health to you and yours!

Laura Matsuda

For further information on this and other health issues, or to suggest topics contact Laura at: 250-395-1322 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Although the Information displayed is believed to be accurate, no warranties or representations are made of any kind. The opinions of Laura Matsuda are not neccessarily those of the website owners, Got News Network, or any group or individual entity associated with welcometo100milehouse.ca.