While the outbreak of swine flu has caused tens of deaths in the city, the fear of this is lot more. Cold and cough symptoms are so common that people get it during cold climate and when temperature or season change. Lakhs of people are assuming worst case situation when they get cold or cough. Keeping this in view, the following grid furnishes how swine flu differs from other common colds and allergies that can be easily differentiated and understood by an average individual. This article hopefully helps create some sanity.
CHARACTERISTICS
ALLERGIC COLD
COMMON COLD
SEASONAL FLU
SWINE FLU
OVERVIEW
Allergic cold is caused by an overactive immune system where your body mistakes harmless substances like dust or pollen, animal dander, foods, and viruses
It is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by different types of viruses and referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection
Influenza may be caused by RNA viruses belonging to the Orthomxoviridae family
Swine flu is caused by a family of viruses that are endemic to pigs. Subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 are the strains responsible for flu infection
DURATION OF INFECTION
Days to months as long as you are exposed to the allergen
3-14 days
Two – three weeks
3 – 4 weeks
TIME OF YEAR
Any time of the year although the appearance of some allergens are seasonal
Most often in the winter, but possible at any time
In all seasons
Any time in the year and being more contagious in winters
ONSET OF SYMPTOMS
Symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen
Symptoms take a few days to appear after infection with the virus
Appears within 3 to 6 hours. Can infect others one day before symptoms develop and 5-7 days after symptoms appear
Lasts for one day before symptoms appear, and then seven days while the individual has symptoms. It may be a longer period for children, Incubation period – 4 days
SYMPTOMS
COUGH
Sometimes
A hacking, mucus- producing cough is often present with a cold
A dry and hacking cough is often present with the seasonal flu
A non-mucus producing cough is usually present with H1N1 (referred to as dry cough)
CHILLS
–
Chills are uncommon with a cold
Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu
60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills
ACHES
Never present
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold
Moderate body aches are common with the seasonal flu
Severe aches and pains are common with H1N1
FEVER
Never
Rare
Fever is common
Fever usually present up to 101 degree F with H1N1 in 80% of all flu cases
FATIGUE
Sometimes
Lasts up to a few days
Longs up to three weeks or even longer in people with chronic diseases
Lasts up to three weeks and more
SORE THROAT
Sometimes
Commonly present
Commonly present
Not commonly present
RUNNY OR STUFFY NOSE
Often present
commonly present and typically resolves spontaneously within a week
Runny nose is commonly present
Stuffy nose is not common in H1N1
TIREDNESS
Present
Fairly mild with a cold
Moderate due to lack of energy
Moderate to severe
CHEST DISCOMFORT
Sometimes
Mild to moderate
Moderate
Often severe
HEAD ACHE
Common
Fairly uncommon
Fairly common
Very common present in 80% of cases
ITCHY, WATERY EYES
Often
rarely
present
present
SNEEZING
Commonly present
Commonly present
Commonly present
Not common
PNEUMONIA
–
–
Occurs at severe cases
Caused due to secondary infection by bacteria after the viral infection developing seizures leading to death if not treated immediately
Avoid those things that you are allergic to such as – Pollen – House dust mites – Mold – Pet dander – Cockroaches
– Wash your hands often with soap and water – Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold
– Wash hands often – Avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms
– Stay home if you’re sick – Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently – Used tissues while coughing and sneezing The used tissues should be trashed properly – Avoid contact with others – Reduce exposure within your household
TREATMENT (optional)
-Antihistamines – Nasal steroids -Decongestants
– Antihistamines – Decongestants – Non steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines
– Decongestants – Pain relievers – Fever reducers – Anti-viral drugs such as Neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 protein inhibitors
