There are several differences in the way these two entities present clinically. Here we will list the differences in symptoms of the cold versus H1N1.
1) FEVER is rare with a cold. However in 80% of all flu cases fever is present. Temperature over 100 for a few days is seen with the flu.
2) COUGH With a cold there is usually a mucus producing cough. With the flu, there is a dry, non-mucus producing cough.
3) ACHES With a cold there are slight body aches. With the flu body aches are severe.
4) STUFFY NOSE With a cold a stuffy nose is usual and clears up in a week. With the flu stuffy nose is not usually seen.
5) CHILLS With a cold chills are not common. With the flu the incidence of chills is 60%.
6) FATIGUE With a cold there is mild tiredness. With the flu tiredness is mostly severe.
7) SNEEZING With a cold it is very common. With the flu sneezing is uncommon.
8) SUDDEN ONSET With a cold symptoms start over a few days. The flu starts suddenly over a few hours and hits hard with sudden symptoms of fever and body aches.
9) HEADACHE Unusual with a cold. Found in 80% of the flu cases.
10) SORE THROAT Common with a cold. Usually not seen with the flu. 11) CHEST DISCOMFORT With a cold it is mild or moderate. With the flu it is usually severe.