Maryland health officials confirmed another swine flu death Friday, bringing the state’s tally to 13 deaths associated with the H1N1 virus.

Philadelphia declared a public health emergency yesterday, an administrative action that mainly gives hospital emergency rooms more flexibility in dealing with increasing numbers of swine flu patients, most of whom are not seriously ill. If you have mild flu symptoms – do NOT go to the emergency room!

Symptom listed below are in order first being cold – second being swine flu

Fever

• Fever is rare with a cold.
• Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.

Coughing

• A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
• A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches

• Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
• Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

Stuffy Nose

• Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
• Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.

Chills

• Chills are uncommon with a cold.
• 60% of people who have the flu experience chills .

Tiredness

• Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
• Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

Sneezing

• Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
• Sneezing is not common with the flu.

Sudden Symptoms

• Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days .
• The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache

• A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
• A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat

• Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
• Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

Chest Discomfort

• Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
• Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

RECOGNIZE SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS! DEFEND YOURSELF

High Risk Groups
· Children below 5 years  
· Senior persons above 65 years
· HIV infected persons
· Diabetic patients
· Pregnant Women
· Lung & Heart patients
· Obese persons
Warning signs for children
§ Troubled or abnormal breathing
§ Bluish skin color
§ Lessened intake of water/fluids
§ Extended sleep or lack of interaction
§ Irritable
§ Fever with rash
§ Flu-like symptoms recede, but return with fever and worsened cough
Warning signs for adults
· Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain/pressure in chest/abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
No vaccine is available for Swine Flu. Seasonal flu vaccines or past immunizations DO NOT provide protection against the H1N1 virus
Please visit a qualified physician if you suspect Swine Flu symptoms. Avoid self-treatment
* Persons infected with the H1N1 virus may be able to pass it on 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 days after infection