Cold or Flu???
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
The flu and the common cold are respiratory infections but are caused by different viruses. Because these two types illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are more common and severe. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalizations.
How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it is very difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that must be done within the first few days of illness can determine if a person has the flu.
What are the symptoms of a cold vs. the symptoms of the flu?
Cold: Onset slow (days), fever is rare, headache is rare or mild, blocked nose is common, dry cough is common, mild levels of chest and muscle pains, mild fatigue, and lasting about 7-10 days.
Flu: Onset sudden (hours), fever is usually high, headache is severe, often see blocked nose, dry cough and chest pain, muscle pain is common, fatigue is common and lasting about 3-7 days.
Information obtained from the Centers for Disease Control.