Is it a Cold or the Flu?
| Symptom | Cold (Symptoms are generally mild) | Flu/Influenza (Symptoms often come on quickly) |
| Fever | Rare |
Usual, high fever (102°F/39°C to 104°F/40°C) |
| Headache | Rare | Usual, can be severe |
| General aches and pains | Sometimes, mild | Usual, often severe |
| Tired and weak | Sometimes, mild | Usual, may last 2-3 weeks or more |
| Extreme fatique | Unusual | Usual, early onset |
| Runny, stuffy nose | Common | Common |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Common |
| Chest discomfort, coughing | Sometimes, mild to moderate | Usual, can be severe |
| Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea | Not usually | Sometimes |
| Complications | Can lead to sinus congestion or earache | Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure; Can worsen a current chronic respiratory condition; Can be life-threatening |
Ask your Doctor about ways to treat and prevent flu in your family.