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With the change in weather, people often start complaining of cold, cough and cold. Usually people ignore it considering it to be a common viral infection and try to recover with home remedies or simple medicines. But in the present times, this carelessness can prove costly because sometimes it may not be a common cold but an infection with the dangerous swine flu i.e. H1N1 virus. Swine flu is a disease to the respiratory system that spreads rapidly and if it is not identified in time, it can take a serious form. Let us know in detail what is the difference between common cold and swine flu and how this dangerous virus can be identified.

Why is it important to understand the difference between common cold and swine flu?

Both common cold and swine flu are viral infections, but there is a huge difference in their effects and severity. The common cold is usually mild, consisting of a runny nose, mild sneezing, and a mild sore throat that resolves within a few days without any specific treatment. In contrast, the swine flu virus (H1N1) attacks the body very rapidly. Its symptoms are quite aggressive and can severely affect a person's immunity. This is the reason that if not identified correctly on time, this infection can prove fatal by reaching the lungs.

Major and early symptoms of H1N1 virus (swine flu)

To identify swine flu infection, it is very important to understand its symptoms closely. If a person suddenly experiences high fever (which is not easily reduced by normal medicines), extreme fatigue and weakness, he should be alert. Apart from this, severe body pain, muscle strain, persistent dry cough, sharp prick in the throat and difficulty in breathing are the main signs of H1N1 virus. In some cases, patients may also have gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea. If these symptoms appear, it should not be considered as normal flu and avoided.

Identification of swine flu and the right time to get checked by a doctor

It is natural to get confused between the symptoms of common cold and swine flu, so medical test is the only solution for accurate identification. When a person's flu symptoms persist for more days than usual and the condition does not improve, doctors recommend RT-PCR or a throat swab test. Through this lab test it becomes clear whether H1N1 virus is present in the body or not. If timely diagnosis is made and antiviral medications are started within the first 48 hours, the patient recovers very quickly and any serious danger can be avoided.

Important precautions to avoid swine flu infection

Precaution is the best protection, and this proves to be completely true in the case of swine flu. To avoid this infection, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently or use sanitizer. Avoid going to crowded areas and if you have to go, definitely use a mask. Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing or sneezing. To keep your immunity strong, eat nutritious food, drink adequate amount of water and if symptoms of flu appear, consult a doctor immediately.