The symptoms of the common cold, seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu can all be very similar and make may it difficult to know which one you have. We have broken down the most common symptoms of these three viruses so you can easily see the differences and similarities between them.

    You should also be aware that if you have any of these viruses - the common cold, seasonal flu or H1N1 swine flu - for several days, you get better for a day or two and then suddenly get very sick again, you should see your health care provider because this could be a sign that you have developed complications or a secondary infection.

    Sources:

    "Questions and Answers: H1N1 Flu （"Swine Flu"） and You." H1N1 Flu 03 Nov 09. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 04 Nov 09.

    "Flu Symptoms and Severity." Seasonal Influenza （Flu） 08 Sep 09. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 04 Nov 09.

    Comparing the Cold, Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Swine Flu

    Symptom Common Cold Seasonal Flu H1N1 Swine Flu

    Runny/Stuffy Nose Very common Occasional Occasional

    Cough Moist and productive Dry cough （may also be productive） Dry cough （may also be productive） A change from a dry cough to a more productive one could be a sign of a secondary infection.

    Itchy/Watery Eyes Common Uncommon Uncommon

    Fever Uncommon but may occur occasionally in children Very common Common, but less so than with seasonal flu

    Exhaustion/Fatigue Mild tiredness may occur Very common Very common

    Headache Common - usually due to sinus pressure Common Common

    Sore Throat Common, but typically mild Uncommon Very common

    Body Aches Minor Severe Severe

    Vomiting/Diarrhea These are not symptoms of the common cold Uncommon, but may occur occasionally in children About 10% of people with H1N1 swine flu experience vomiting and diarrhea

    Onset of Symptoms Gradual Sudden Sudden

    普通感冒、季节性流感和H1N1甲型流感的症状十分相似，因此患者常常搞不清楚自己究竟得了什么病。在此我们对这三种病毒性疾病的症状进行比较，供读者参考。

    值得注意的是，假如你患上了这三种疾病中的任何一种，几天后，症状减轻，但突然又加重，你就应该去咨询医生，因为这表明你可能患有并发症或被二次感染。

    普通感冒、季节性流感还是H1N1甲型流感的症状对比

    信息来源： 症状

    普通感冒

    季节性流感

    H1N1 甲型流感

    流鼻涕或鼻塞

    十分常见

    偶发

    偶发

    咳嗽

    湿咳或排痰性咳嗽

    干咳（也可能为排痰性咳嗽）

    干咳 （也可能为排痰性咳嗽）.若开始干咳，后转为咳嗽，则可能因为二次感染

    眼睛干涩或多泪

    常见

    罕见

    罕见

    发热

    罕见，但儿童可能会发热

    十分常见

    常见，但少于季节性流感

    疲倦

    可能会有轻微疲倦

    十分常见

    十分常见

    头疼

    常见--通常由鼻窦压增高引起

    常见

    常见

    咽喉疼痛

    常见，但轻微疼痛

    罕见

    常见

    身体疼痛

    轻微

    严重

    严重

    呕吐/腹泻

    非感冒症状

    罕见， 但儿童偶有发生

    约10%的患者发生呕吐、腹泻症状

    症状出现

    渐进

    突发