Flu Bugs

So I know not everyone is worried about this year's flu season, but for those of you who are, I have found a great compilation of typical symptoms for the common cold, seasonal flu, and H1N1.

We'll start off on a lighter note. If you have been coughing or sneezing lately, or if you have had a stuffy nose with a sore throat, you probably have a cold. The severity of it depends on the severity of your symptoms, however. Those who have colds usually don't experience any headaches, fevers, or chills, but if you do have a cold, you'll probably experience mild chest pains, aches, or fatigue.

Next up - the seasonal flu. From what I've been hearing, most people have received the flu shot this year, so for those of you who haven't, try not to get sick. But of course, that goes without saying. Anyways, typical flu symptoms are fever, coughing, mild aches or chills, a stuffy nose or sneezing, fatigue, headache, and a sore throat. You may experience some chest discomfort, which is okay, but if it gets severe, you should probably go to the hospital, ASAP.

Last, but surely not least, H1N1. 80% of people who have had H1N1 experience fevers, usually around 101. 60% of people have chills, but sneezing, sore throat, and a stuffy nose are not common. If you have H1N1, you might also experience a dry cough (no mucus), severe aches and pains, fatigue, headache, and severe chest discomfort. With that being said, get the H1N1 vaccine!!!

So now that you're up to date on the symptoms, let's talk about the onset of these wonderful little bugs. Typically, a cold, as well as the flu, will develop over a few days. Symptoms of the flu, however, last roughly 4-7 days. If you notice a loss in appetite, dizziness, or nausea, be prepared! H1N1 symptoms last about as long as those of the flu, but it'll hit you in about 3-6 hours. So if you're one of the unfortunate ones (which I hope you won't be), you won't get any advance notice.

So as you've been hearing since the start of school, WASH YOUR HANDS!!! And for those of you who don't know, cough into your elbow, not your hands or on the person you're walking by.

Stay healthy!

- Caroline Robb