How to tell the difference between
the flu and the common cold
|
Signs and symptoms
|
Flu
|
Cold
|
|
Onset
|
Sudden | Gradual |
|
Fever
|
High, over 101 lasting 3-4 days | Rare |
|
Cough
|
Dry, can become severe | Hacking |
|
Headache
|
Prominent | Rare |
|
Muscle aches and pains (ache all over)
|
Usual; often severe | Slight if any |
|
Tiredness and weakness
|
Can last up to 2-3 weeks | Very mild and short duration |
|
Extreme exhaustion
|
Early and prominent | Never |
|
Chest discomfort
|
Common | Mild to moderate |
|
Stuffy nose
|
Sometimes | Common |
|
Sneezing
|
Sometimes | Usual |
|
Sore throat
|
Sometimes | Common |