H1N1 cases rise in Delhi: How influenza symptoms differ from common cold

H1N1 can resemble a common cold, but sudden fever, severe body aches and marked fatigue may signal influenza. Read on to know key symptoms, warning signs and treatment.

New Delhi: H1N1 cases are rising in Delhi, with 1,344 cases reported this season. As influenza activity increases, symptoms such as fever, cough and body aches may be mistaken for a common cold. However, influenza can develop differently and may cause more intense symptoms. Knowing how the illness begins, which symptoms tend to be more pronounced and which warning signs require medical attention can help people respond appropriately.

Influenza often begins suddenly. A person may feel well and then develop fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, dry cough and marked fatigue within a short period.

A common cold usually develops gradually, with sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and throat irritation more prominent. Fever is often absent or mild. However, symptoms can overlap with other viral infections, so they cannot confirm H1N1 on their own.

The abruptness of illness can be an important clue. A........

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