Symptoms of Influenza vs Cold and Stomach Flu
How to tell Swine or Seasonal Flu from Common Cold, Gastroenteritis
Nov 4, 2009
A virus is a tiny bit of complex matter that enters a host cell (in a human, for example) and causes that cell to create duplicate viruses. Eventually, the host organism creates antibodies to fight off the viral attack, but in the meantime, the person experiences the virus as an illness, and experiences some unpleasant symptoms.
Common Viral Infections
Three viral infections are commonly lumped together in people's minds. The three are distinct, with different viral agents and different symptom clusters. The symptoms of mild swine flu are indistinguishable from those of seasonal flu (Source: CDC).
- Influenza – "Influenza is an infection of the lungs and airways caused by a virus. Various strains of influenza virus circulate throughout the world each year." (Influenza Self-Care, Health Link Alberta, June 2005)
- Common Cold – "A common cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose. Colds also involve the sinuses, ears, and bronchial tubes." (What a Common Cold Is, commoncold.org, retrieved Nov. 4, 2009)
- "Stomach Flu" – A common name for gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. "Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses... It is often called the 'stomach flu,' although it is not caused by the influenza viruses." (Viral Gastroenteritis, medicinenet.com, retrieved Nov. 4, 2009) Viral gastroenteritis is often confused with food poisoning.
Common Symptoms of Viral Infection: Influenza, Common Cold, and Gastroenteritis
Symptoms of the three viral diseases include the following, in various degrees as indicated (from Influenza Self-Care unless otherwise noted)
Fever
- Influenza – usually high (38 C/100 F or more) with sudden onset. Swine flu may have higher fevers than regular flu, but not always.
- Common Cold – Sometimes
- Stomach Flu – Rare
Chills
- Influenza – Frequent
- Common Cold – Slight
- Stomach Flu – Common
Aches & Pains
- Influenza – Frequent, especially in head, lower back, legs, behind the eyes
- Common Cold – Slight
- Stomach Flu – Common
Loss of Appetite
- Influenza – Sometimes
- Common Cold – Sometimes
- Stomach Flu – Common
Cough
- Influenza – Dry cough is usual
- Common Cold – Sometimes; productive cough if bronchitis
- Stomach Flu – Rare
Sore Throat
- Influenza – Sometimes
- Common Cold – Sometimes
- Stomach Flu – Rare
Sniffles or Sneezes
- Influenza – Sometimes
- Common Cold – Common
- Stomach Flu – Rare
Involves Whole Body
- Influenza – Always
- Common Cold – Rare
- Stomach Flu – Stomach/bowel only
Onset
- Influenza – Symptoms always appear quickly, usually with a sudden fever
- Common Cold – More gradual
- Stomach Flu – Fairly rapid onset
Fatigue, Extreme Tiredness
- Influenza – Common
- Common Cold – Rare
- Stomach Flu – Sometimes
Nausea, Vomiting
- Influenza – Seldom, but may be present in those over 75 (or in severe cases of swine flu, per CDC)
- Common Cold – Seldom
- Stomach Flu – Common, may be severe.
Complications
- Influenza – Pneumonia, other respiratory infections; can be fatal
- Common Cold – Sinus or ear infections
- Stomach Flu – Dehydration (can lead to other problems)
Duration
- Influenza – Fever goes down in three to five days; tiredness and cough can last several weeks
- Common Cold – "Colds last on average for one week. Mild colds may last only two or three days while severe colds may last for up to two weeks." (What a Common Cold Is)
- Stomach Flu – "In general, the symptoms begin one to two days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis and may last for one to 10 days, depending on which virus causes the illness; however, most episodes last from one to three days." (Viral Gastroenteritis)
All the viruses involved are transmitted at least in part by personal contact, so proper hygiene (such as covering a cough or sneeze and frequent careful handwashing) and lifestyle (proper diet, exercise) combined can go a long way to providing protection against flu, colds, and "stomach flu."
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