Cold vs Flu

Yes I know it's crazy pandemonium about this cold and flu season..... lots of information out there... the spin on this topic is unbelievable. I'm doing a lunch and learn for a company on Tuesday about H1N1 - what the facts are, symptoms, how it's spread AND what are some immune boosting or prevention strategies. I'll try and post some of the presentation later next week.

For now it's important to stay calm and treat this like any other flu season and be able to recognize the difference between a cold and a flu.

The incubation of the H1N1 is 1-4 days, possibly as long as 7 days and the clinical symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of fever (usually high);
• Headache;
• Extreme tiredness;
• Dry cough;
• Sore throat;
• Runny nose; and
• Muscle aches and stomach symptoms -- more common in children.

The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of a seasonal flu but the trend is more GI symptoms emerging i.e. diarrhea and vomiting.

Colds may have similar symptoms but usually no fever and no muscle aches. Be vigilant, wash your hands and stay at home if you are sick.

AND with Halloween coming up be careful with sugar .... 1 tsp of sugar can decrease your immune system for 24 hours.