Symptoms - Cold or Flu?
Colds and the flu are both highly contagious and, in their initial stages, it can be difficult to distinguish between a bad cold and a mild case of the flu.
The flu, unlike a cold, can have life-threatening complications, making it very important to be able to tell the difference between the two. Here’s how to tell a cold from the flu:
Cold Symptoms |
Flu Symptoms |
Low or no fever, but can be as high as 102 degrees |
High fever, 101 degrees to 104 degrees |
Sometimes a headache |
Commonly a headache |
Stuffy, runny nose |
Sometimes a stuffy nose |
Sneezing |
Sometimes sneezing |
Mild, hacking cough |
Cough that may become severe |
Slight aches and pains |
Often severe aches and pains |
Mild fatigue |
Fatigue, may be extreme and may persist for many days |
Sore throat |
Sometimes a sore throat |
Normal energy level |
Exhaustion |
Typically lasts three to seven days |
Can lasts up to 12 days |
