Signs of influenza A(H1N1) are similar to flu, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea. Since symptoms are similar to common cold and regular flu a throat swab test is recommended to confirm it. Throat and Nasal swabs are taken at government approved hospitals and centers and sent to testing at government approved labs. You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and swine flu without medical help, but some pointers are given below.
| Symptom | Cold | 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. |
If you are feeling ill, have high fever, cough or sore throat: Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds Rest and take plenty of fluids. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately afterwards with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand wash. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow if you do not have a tissue handy. Use a mask to help contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly. Inform family and friends about your condition and try to avoid contact with other people.
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