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H1N1, seasonal flu have a lot in common. The two are similar in key ways, but not all.
H1N1
Symptoms: Fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, headaches, runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Treatment: If symptoms are moderate, try fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol or Motrin, get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Anti-viral medications can reduce the severity of symptoms. They are most effective if given within 48 hours of symptoms, but can still help after symptoms develop.
How it spreads: Through coughing, sneezing, person-to-person contact such as handshakes or through germs on surfaces.
Age groups most at risk: Children and young adults through age 24.
When it starts to spread: First cases were reported last spring, with a big peak in mid-October.
Seasonal flu
Symptoms: Same as H1N1
Treatment: Same as H1N1
How it spreads: Same as H1N1.
Age groups most at risk: Kids under 15 and senior citizens.
When it starts to spread: Usually late fall, increasing in December, and peaking in January, February, or early March.
Source: Tom Safranek, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
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