Parkinson Foundation of Harris County

Some symptoms of the common cold and the flu are similar and a person may be confused as to which he has. The following table issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services should help you to make a diagnosis. I've  had the flu for sure only once in my life. It hit so suddenly it was like a "bolt from the blue". After several miserable days, I developed a constant severe cough, and finally went to the doctor. I was hospitalized for five days with pneumonia, a common complication of the flu. Colds seem to come on more gradually, almost with one symptom at a time—nasal congestion, sore throat, cough—and can usually be treated at home. You may possibly need prescriptions from your doctor.

H1N1 Swine Flu has several of the same symptoms as regular flu, but fever is less common in H1N1. While sore throat is uncommon in regular flu , it is very common in H1N1, and vomiting/diarrhea is sometimes experienced in H1N1, with about 10% of patients developing it. If you suspect the flu, especially H1N1, contact a medical care provider without delay.

It is important to remember that with any of these viruses—the common cold, flu or H1N1—you may get better for a day or two and then suddenly get very sick again. If this happens contact your health care provider because it could be a sign that you have developed complications or a secondary infection.