Is It a Cold or the Flu?

National Institute of of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Symptoms	Cold	Flu
Fever	Rare	Usual; high (100°F to 102°F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days
Headache	Rare	Common
General Aches, Pains	Slight	Usual; often severe
Fatigue, Weakness	Sometimes	Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion	Never	Usual; at the beginning of the illness
Stuffy Nose	Common	Sometimes
Sneezing	Usual	Sometimes
Sore Throat	Common	Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough	Mild to moderate; hacking cough	Common; can become severe
Treatment	Antihistamines Decongestant Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines	Antiviral medicines— see your healthcare provider
Prevention	Wash your hands often with soap and water; Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold	Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines—see your healthcare provider
Complications	Sinus infection Middle ear infection Asthma	Bronchitis, pneumonia; can worsen chronic conditions; can be life threatening. Complications more likely in the elderly, those with chronic conditions, young children, and pregnant women