H1N1 vs seasonal flu

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