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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

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IS THERE A FEVER?

A fever is rare

A fever ≥37.78º C is common

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TIRED?

Mildly

Moderately to severely

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CHILLS?

Rare

Common

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WHAT ABOUT BODY ACHES?

Slight, but usually only headaches

Usual and often severe, affects the entire body

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ANY HEADACHE?

Less common

Common

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STUFFED NOSE?

Common

Less common

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WHAT ABOUT SORE THROAT PAIN?

Common

Less common

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WHAT TYPE OF COUGH?

Hacking cough that brings up mucus

Dry, tickly, unproductive cough

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CHEST CONGESTION?

Mild to moderate

Often severe

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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.

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