Scurry County Health Unit

 Staying at Home Safely with the FLU

These guidelines will be revised as the situation evolves.

The new type of influenza, H1N1 influenza (sometimes called swine flu) in humans can vary in severity from

mild to severe. So far in the United States and most countries, mild to moderate disease has occurred.

Almost all people in Texas with confirmed H1N1flu (swine flu) have had a fever (50% had a temperature

greater than 102.5°F) and cough; most have also had a sore throat. Almost everyone has stayed home and

recovered in a few days. Symptoms of H1N1 flu are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular

human seasonal influenza (see below)

                                                 Symptoms

fever, very tired, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, lack       

of appetite; some may have GI symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting)

Symptoms of influenza tend to be mild and usually last 3 to 4 days. In most cases H1N1 flu will resolve

without medical attention. Sometimes pneumonia, ear infection, or sinus infection may occur at the same

time as or after the flu. Some people have additional risks for developing severe complications with flu.

 Most illnesses with congestion and mild fever are NOT caused by this new type of flu.

Cold symptoms – vs -  H1N1 Flu Symptoms 

     Symptoms

     Cold

     H1N1 Flu 

    Fever
     Fever is rare with a cold.

     Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases.=2 0A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3        
     to 4 days is assocated with the 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 flu (sometimes referred to as dry
     cough).

    Aches

     Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.

     Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

    Stuffy Nose

     Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.

     Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
 
    Chills

     Chills are uncommon with a cold.

     60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

    Tiredness

     Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.

     Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

    Sneezing

     Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.

     Sneezing is not common with the flu.

    Sudden Symptoms

     Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.

     The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches  
     and pain.

    Headache

     A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.

     A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

    Sore Throat

     Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.

     Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

    Chest Discomfort

     Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.

     Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

 The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness.