Cold Versus Flu
As care givers, we are always asked what is the difference between a cold and the flu? With all the marketing by the cold and flu over-the-counter remedies; it gets confusing.
Flu and common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by difference viruses. Both of these have similar symptoms which makes it difficult to tell the difference. Typically, the flu is worse that a cold. Flu symptoms are more intense and colds are usually milder. Serious health problems rarely arise with colds. However, the flu can have very serious associated complications.
The both share many symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference with just symptoms. Special tests must be completed, within the first few days of illness, to uncover if a person has the flu.
Flu symptoms include:
-
fever or feeling feverish/chills
-
cough
-
sore throat
-
runny or stuffy nose
-
muscle or body aches
-
headaches
-
fatigue (tiredness)
-
abrupt onset
Cold symptoms include:
-
milder symptoms that the flu
-
runny or stuffy nose
-
sore throat
-
sneezing
-
gradual onset
Is It A
COLD or FLU?
Signs and Symptoms
|
Cold
|
Flu
|
Symptom Onset
|
Gradual |
Abrupt |
|
Fever |
Rare |
Usual |
|
Aches |
Slight |
Usual |
|
Chills |
Uncommon |
Fairly common
|
Fatigue, weakness
|
Sometimes |
Usual |
|
Sneezing |
Common |
Sometimes |
Stuffy nose
|
Common |
Sometimes |
Sore throat
|
Common |
Sometimes |
Chest discomfort, cough
|
Mild to moderate
|
Common |
|
Headache |
Rare |
Common |
Schedule your appointment today
239.573.2001
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