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Cold or Flu: What Do I Have?
A cold and the flu exhibit many of the same symptoms. However, there are differences that you need to know about, so you can treat your symptoms properly and get better.
COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS
FLU SYMPTOMS
HOW DID THE SYMPTOMS DEVELOP?
Gradually
Rapid or sudden onset
IS THERE A FEVER?
A fever is rare
A fever ≥37.78º C is common
TIRED?
Mildly
Moderately to severely
CHILLS?
Rare
Common
WHAT ABOUT BODY ACHES?
Slight, but usually only headaches
Usual and often severe, affects the entire body
ANY HEADACHE?
Less common
Common
STUFFED NOSE?
Common
Less common
WHAT ABOUT SORE THROAT PAIN?
Common
Less common
WHAT TYPE OF COUGH?
Hacking cough that brings up mucus
Dry, tickly, unproductive cough
CHEST CONGESTION?
Mild to moderate
Often severe
There are distinctive differences between cold and flu symptoms, but many subtle ones as well which can lead to confusion. Understand the differences so you can recognize your symptoms and take the right approach to treating a cold or the flu.
