It can be difficult to know if you have a cold or the flu. The chart below compares how the symptoms for colds and flu differ.
 Symptom |
|
Cold |
|
Flu |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Fever |
|
Rarely |
|
Predictable, high fever (38-41º C =
102-104º F); usually lasts 3-4 days |
|
|
|
|
|
| Headache |
|
Rarely |
|
Bad headache common |
|
|
|
|
|
General aches
and pains |
|
Sometimes, but
usually mild |
|
Usually, and often quite severe |
|
|
|
|
|
Fatigue,
weakness |
|
Sometimes, but
usually mild |
|
Yes, and can last up to 2-3 weeks |
|
|
|
|
|
Extreme
exhaustion |
|
No |
|
Yes, starts early and remains for
duration of additional symptoms |
|
|
|
|
|
| Stuffy nose |
|
Common |
|
Sometimes |
|
|
|
|
|
| Sneezing |
|
Usually |
|
Sometimes |
|
|
|
|
|
| Sore Throat |
|
Common |
|
Sometimes |
|
|
|
|
|
Chest discomfort,
cough |
|
Cough is usually
mild to moderate
and hacking |
|
Cough is common and can
become severe |
|
|
|
|
|
Other
complications |
|
Sinus congestion
or earache is
common |
|
Flu' can increase risk of bronchitis
or pneumonia which can be very
severe, and life-threatening in
certain people |
|
|
|
|
|
| Prevention |
|
None |
|
Annual vaccinations are available
for 'flu and pneumonia. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Treatment |
|
Treatment of
symptoms is all
that is available.
Colds are caused
by viruses for
which no cure
has been found. |
|
Antiviral medicines are available
which may decrease the duration of
the 'flu symptoms. Ask your doctor if
they would be suitable under the
circumstances of your condition. |
|
|
|
|
|