As a parent of a young child you, no doubt, are concerned about children contacting the H1N1 virus (swine flu).
Even adults want to know the difference between a garden variety cold and the H1N1 virus or even the common flu.
 Here are some symptoms to look for.
The symptoms of a cold...

• There rarely is fever with a cold.
  
• A cough is productive, tending to be mucous filled.
  
• There are slight body aches and pains.
  
• A stuffy nose resolves usually within a week.
  
• Sneezing is common.
  
• Chills are uncommon and fatigue is usually mild.
  
• Symptoms of a cold take several days to become noticeable.
  
• Headaches are uncommon but a sore throat is usually present.
  
• If there is chest discomfort, it is usually mild to moderate.
  

The symptoms of H1N1 virus (usually worse than seasonal flu)...

• Fever is present in 80% of the cases, 100 degrees or more.
  
• A dry cough is noted and the aches and pains can be severe.
  
• Stuffy nose is usually not present.
  
• Chills are felt in at least 60% of the flu cases.
  
• Fatigue rates from moderate to severe.
  
• Flu symptoms come on rapidly, usually within 12 hours.
  
• Headache and severe chest discomfort is experienced.
  
• Sore throat usually is not present.
  

The above information are Red Cross guidelines intended for individuals to make smart decisions when it comes to their family's health care.
 Hospital care is expensive and there are many people who can take care of themselves at home rather than in the ER at their local hospital.
The number one preventative medicine is good hand washing.
 Don't shake hands and cough into your elbow.
 Stay home when feeling sick.
 No one appreciates you sharing your symptoms of either a cold or the flu.