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What Is the Difference Between the Swine Flu & the Flu?

Both the swine flu and seasonal flu are contagious influenza viruses that can cause severe sickness and even death. The complications from swine flu are much more severe than the seasonal flu.

  1. Swine flu

    • Swine flu or H1N1 is a type of flu that was first associated with pigs, but CDC studies have since stated it is different. It is affecting the population of people under 26 years old more than other groups.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of the swine flu are sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, runny nose, chills, diarrhea and fever. Some people have these symptoms but with no fever.

    Seasonal flu

    • The seasonal flu is the flu type commonly seen in people during the fall and winter months. This flu more commonly affects small children and the elderly.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of the seasonal flu are fever, severe tiredness, sore throat, dry cough, headache, runny nose and body aches.

    Differences

    • The difference between swine flu and seasonal flu is the diarrhea, nausea and vomiting that come with the swine flu. Swine flu is lasting greater than seven days and seasonal flu around three or four days.

    Prevention/Treatment

    • Treatment for both are the same, with antiviral medicines. However, swine flu can cause respiratory problems in people with underlying illnesses and require hospitalization.

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