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FeedPiggy Pandemic vs. Common Cold
In a world where nothing is as it seems, how can you tell your aches and sniffles are due to an innocent rhinovirus... and not the heinous H1N1? Hudson Valley editors break it down
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If your ah-choos sound more like oink-oinks these days, you may be in trouble: Though outbreaks of the H1N1 virus — more commonly (and incorrectly) known as swine flu — have subsided as of late, local docs and health directors are urging Valley residents to take caution. In a report by the Times Herald-Record, deputy public health director Nancy McGraw of Sullivan County Health Services says “We’re still urging people to get the seasonal flu and H1N1 shots.”
How can you tell if you have a seasonal cold or the flu? Check our list of common symptoms:
Cold Symptoms | Flu Symptoms |
Fevers are rare | 80% of flu cases involve fever; temperature of |
Mucus-producing cough | Dry cough (usually no mucus) |
Slight body aches possible | Severe aches and pains common |
Stuffy nose common (usually resolves | Stuffy nose uncommon |
Chills uncommon | 60% of flu cases involve chills |
Fatigue fairly mild | Fatigue moderate to severe |
Sneezing common | Sneezing uncommon |
Cold symptoms develop over a few days | Flu symptoms develop within 3-6 hours |
Headaches uncommon | 80% of flu cases involve headaches |
Sore throat common | Sore throat uncommon |
Chest discomfort mild to moderate | Chest discomfort often severe |
Still wondering about the flu? Visit www.flu.gov for more information, videos, and to get the facts on influenza and the H1N1 vaccine. Or visit www.nyhealth.gov for the New York State Department of Health’s flu breakdown (click here for the most recent stats).
Our friends at the Times Herald-Record have a great poster (with piggies!) illustrating the many ways you and your family can help fight the flu — like washing your hands, getting plenty of rest, and getting vaccinated. Check it out here. And remember: stay healthy, Hudson Valley!
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