Cold & Flu Health Center
Do You Have a Cold or Flu?
Feeling under the weather? Are you wondering whether it's symptoms of flu or a cold?
Because flu symptoms are quite similar to cold symptoms, it's often hard to tell the difference. But there is one clue about flu that can help you know. When you have the flu, you feel flu symptoms sooner than you would cold symptoms, and they come on with much greater intensity.
What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?
With the flu, you may feel very weak and fatigued for up to two or three weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat.
Can I Compare Flu and Cold Symptoms?
Yes. The following chart can help you compare flu symptoms with cold symptoms. Use it to lean the differences and similarities between flu and cold symptoms. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug.
|
Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (100-102 degrees F); lasts three to four days |
| Headache | Rare | Prominent |
| General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Quite mild | Can last up to two to three weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough |
Mild to moderate; hacking cough |
Common; can become severe |
|
Complications |
Sinus congestion or earache |
Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
|
Prevention |
Good hygiene | Annual flu shot or FluMist |
|
Treatment |
Only temporary relief of symptoms |
Antiviral drugs (Tamiflu or or Relenza) within 24-48 hours of onset |
WebMD Medical Reference
Flu Guide
