Millions will be asking themselves these and more questions this fall and winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and the H1N1 influenza.

Flu - influenza - is caused by a virus that attacks your respiratory system. Health experts agree that if you′e generally in good health, the flu - either seasonal or H1N1 - will likely do no more than make you feel rotten for a few days. You probably won′t develop complications or need to go to the hospital. If, however, you have an already weakened immune system or are among those considered high risk - such as infants, young children, pregnant women or the elderly - the flu can be a serious and even fatal illness.

Common symptoms of both the seasonal and H1N1 flu include:

* Sudden onset. Colds usually develop over a few days and are only a nuisance. Flu hits you quickly and hard.

* Chills, sweats, headache and body aches, especially in the back, arms and legs.

* Fever higher than 101 F in adults and up to 103 or 105 in children.

* Nasal congestion but a dry cough.

* Overall weakness and fatigue.

* No appetite in adults and children, and diarrhea and vomiting in children.

* Worsening of chronic ailments like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Although the common cold and the flu share many similar symptoms, they are two different conditions.

The symptoms of a cold develop slowly and can include:

• Fever up to 102 degrees
• Runny or stuffy nose (often with green- or yellow-colored discharge)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Watery eyes

Most healthy adults will only need to treat the symptoms and let the illness run its course. Infants, young children or adults at risk of complications, however, should see the doctor right away. Antiviral drugs, taken in the first 48 hours that symptoms develop, may trim the length of the illness and help prevent the development of serious complications like pneumonia.

Ultimately, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the flu. Talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated. For additional information on the differences between cold and flu, visit www.familydoctor.org.

Source: www.familydoctor.org