Summer Cold Versus Swine Flu – How to tell them Apart

Because of the spread of the swine flu virus in the past months, people have become even more careful when it comes to interacting with other people. Aside from that, they have also gotten more vigilant in terms of their hygiene and the cleanliness of their environment. Thus, any sign of runny nose and sneezing immediately leads to a panic attack, thinking that the flu virus has spread even if it actually just a summer cold, or allergic rhinitis.

But, how do you actually differentiate the two? Here is a look on summer cold versus swine flu.

The flu virus has always been around us, causing us to catch seasonal flu symptoms. However, a new type of virus has spread, called the influenza A H1N1 virus, which causes the “swine flu”. While it may just be a typical flu virus, it has become a major health threat to us because we have not yet developed immunity against the virus. Thus, it has spread from one person to another very easily from all parts of the world, making it a global pandemic.

In the meantime, summer cold is what is otherwise known as hay fever. We must remember though, that the cold symptoms are not caused by hay and it does not lead to fever, too. Compared to a real cold, a summer cold is not caused by any virus but it is actually an allergy, which is why the term allergic rhinitis would be more appropriate to use. Summer cold and swine flu have a few similar symptoms but, of course, there is also a big difference in the end, to help you tell which is which.

Both can cause you to have runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat. Chest discomfort and coughing may also be evident although it can become severe for those who have swine flu. Summer colds may cause one to have a mild fever, headaches and weakness but it will never lead to extreme exhaustion unlike when you have swine flu. Summer cold and swine flu may also lead to sinus congestion and ear infection although for the latter, it can become so severe, sometimes leading to pneumonia, that it can be life threatening already.

If you suspect yourself to be suffering from a summer cold or swine flu, taking in some decongestants, to help unclog your sinuses, could surely help. Antihistamines should also help fight off the allergies. However, if you cannot be sure of your own diagnosis, it is best to go to a doctor right away so that you can take some antiviral drugs to prevent the swine flu, if it really is that, from getting worse.

You must also know that prevention is always better than cure. To prevent catching a cold or flu, remember to wash your hands often and to avoid contact with a person suffering from colds and flu. It would also help to take some annual flu shots or the antiviral medicine against seasonal and swine flu.