Cold and Flu Prevention Center
What Ails You: Cold, Flu, or Something Else?
With flu season in full swing, it’s important to know what ails you (so you can help stop the spread by staying home). But how do you really know if you have the flu—swine or seasonal—or if it’s just another cold or an allergy? Use our handy sympt-o-meter.
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Swine flu or H1N1
Key symptoms: Fever plus nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
Best fix: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
The H1N1 virus feels a lot like seasonal flu (although possibly milder), but often comes with gastro issues, which make it even easier to get dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, and follow standard flu treatment. Stay home (this flu is highly contagious), and call your doc if you’re in the high risk category or if you’re not better after a week. Any flu can develop into pneumonia.
Next: Colds
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