Is it a Cold...or the Flu?
Cold |
Symptoms |
Flu |
Rare |
Fever |
Characteristic, high (101-104°); lasts 3-4 days |
Rare |
Headache |
Prominent |
Slight |
General aches, pains |
Usual; often severe |
Quite mild |
Fatigue, weakness |
Can last 2 to 3 weeks |
Never |
Extreme exhaustion |
Early and prominent |
Common |
Stuffy nose |
Sometimes |
Usual |
Sneezing |
Sometimes |
Common |
Sore throat |
Sometimes |
Mild to moderate, hacking cough |
Chest discomfort, cough |
Common; can become severe |
Sinus congestion or earache |
Complications |
|
Respiratory hygiene Respiratory etiquette |
Prevention |
Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines; respiratory hygiene |
Over-the-counter medication for temporary symptom relief |
Treatment |
Antiviral medicines - see your doctor |