| SYMPTOM | COLD | SEASON FLU | H1N1 |
| FEVER | Fever is rare. | Fever is common. | Fever is usually present with H1N1 in up to 80% of cases with a temperature of 101°F. |
| COUGHING | A hacking, productive (mucus-related) cough is often present. | A non-productive (dry and hacking/non-mucus producing) cough is often present. | A non-productive (dry and hacking/non-mucus producing) cough is usually present. |
| ACHES | Slight body aches and pains can be present. | Moderate body aches are common. | SEVERE aches and pains are common. |
| STUFFY NOSE | Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold. Typically resolve spontaneously with in a week. | A runny nose is commonly present. | Stuffy nose is NOT commonly present. |
| CHILLS | Chills are NOT common. | Chills are mild to moderate. | 60% of people experience chills. |
| TIREDNESS | Tiredness tends to be fairly mild. | Tiredness is moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy. | Tiredness is moderate to severe. |
| SNEEZING | Sneezing is commonly present. | Sneezing is commonly present. | Sneezing is NOT common. |
| SYMPTOM ONSET | Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. | Symptoms tend to develop over a few days. Include flushed face, loss of appetite, dizziness and/or vomiting/nausea. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is also common. | H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. H1N1 hits hard and fast. Includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is also common. |
| HEADACHE | A headache is NOT common. | A headache is fairly common. | A headache is VERY common and present in 80% of cases. |
| SORE THROAT | Sore throat is commonly present. | Sore throat is commonly present. | Sore throat is NOT commonly present. |
| CHEST DISCOMFORT | Chest discomfort is mild to moderate. | Chest discomfort is moderate. If it turns severe, seek immediate medical attention! | Chest discomfort is often SEVERE. |