Do You Have a Cold or Flu?

Medically Reviewed by Carmelita Swiner, MD on May 16, 2023
2 min read

Do you feel under the weather and wonder if you're sick with the flu or a cold?

It's often hard to tell the difference because the symptoms of both are similar. But there is one clue about flu that can help you know. When you have it, you feel the symptoms sooner than you would with a cold, and they come on with much greater intensity.

You may feel very weak and tired for up to 2 or 3 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.

This chart can help you see the differences and similarities. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug.

Symptoms

Cold

Flu

 
FeverRareCharacteristic, high
(100-102 degrees F); lasts 3 to 4 days
 
HeadacheRareProminent
 
General Aches, PainsSlightUsual; often severe
 
Fatigue, WeaknessQuite mildCan last up to 2 to 3 weeks
 
Extreme ExhaustionRareEarly and prominent
 
Stuffy, Runny NoseCommonSometimes
 
SneezingUsualSometimes
 
Sore ThroatCommonSometimes
 
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 hygieneGood hygiene and an annual flu vaccine
 

Treatment

Only
temporary
relief of symptoms
Antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu),
zanamivir (Relenza), or peramivir (Rapivab)
within 24-48 hours of onset