Is the H1N1 flu different from the seasonal flu?
Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness that is most widespread during the winter and early spring. It is estimated that an average of 36,000 people die each year from flu complications, most of them 65 years or older. The novel H1N1 virus is a new strain that is being seen more frequently in children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years. The original outbreak of H1N1 in the spring of 2009 was relatively mild; it could cause more severe illness during the 2009-2010 flu season. Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. H1N1 flu has the same symptoms, but may also include vomiting and diarrhea.
