H1N1 Treatments and Symptoms

Driving my daughter to school today I heard on the radio that so far H1N1 seems to be attacking the young, 1/3 of all cases are between the ages of 5 to 18. 

On a personal note my daughter was treated with vitamins, good food and Engystol which seems to have fought her flu. The Naturopath confirmed it was H1N1. The only thing remaining is a cough. Her fever, stomach pains, headaches and body pain have all disappeared. She has been well now for a full week. Although this worked, please always consult with a family doctor for any illness you or your child may have.

Kindervibe  www.kindervibe.ca/home.html (originally sourced from the Daily Press) wrote an excellent article on the differences between H1N1 and a cold. This is a great guide to help you see the differences, here is the article: 

Fever

• Fever is rare with a cold.
• Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for three to four days is associated with the flu.

Coughing

• A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold.
• A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches

• Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
• Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

Chills

• Chills are uncommon with a cold.
• 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

Tiredness

• Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
• Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

Sneezing

• Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
• Sneezing is not common with the flu.

Sudden Symptoms

• Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
• The flu has a rapid onset within three to six hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache

• A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
• A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore throat

• Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
• Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

Chest discomfort

• Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
• Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

(info from Daily Press)

According to the Center for Disease Control, the symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people include fever and cough (almost always), sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

For more information on the flu in BC, visit the governmentwebsite and in Alberta, visit Health Alberta.