It is important to know the difference between the common cold and the seasonal flu. A cold can make you ill for a few days as it is a milder respiratory illness. Whereas the flu can make you feel ill from a few days to a few weeks, the flu can also result in hospitalizations and other health complications like pneumonia. So, do you have a cold or flu?
Although the cold and flu share some similar symptoms, there are ways to tell what you have and how to take care of yourself. A good way to tell which you have is to take your temperature. The common cold rarely comes with a fever above 100.4F (38C). Below is a table that compares the symptoms of cold and flu
Symptoms Cold Flu
Fever Sometimes, usually mild Usual – higher than 100-102F (37.7 – 40C). Occasionally higher, especially in young children). Lasts 3 to 4 days
Headache Occasionally Common
General Aches, Pains Slight Usual. Often severe
Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes Usual. Can last 2 to 3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion Never Usual. At the beginning of the illness
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore Throat Common Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate, hacking cough Common. Can become severe
Complications Sinus congestion, middle ear infection Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia - can be life-threatening
Prevention Wash hands often. Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold Wash hands often. Avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms. Get the annual flu vaccine
Treatment Decongestants, pain reliever/fever reducer medicines Decongestants, pain relievers, or fever reducers are available over-the-counter. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to young children unless indicated. Prescription antiviral drugs for flu may be given in some cases. Call your doctor for more information about treatment
When do I call the doctor with cold or flu symptoms?
If you already have flu or cold symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention if you also have any of the following severe symptoms:
- Persistent fever
- Painful swallowing
- Persistent coughing
- Persistent congestion and headaches
In adults, signs of an emergency include:
- Severe chest pain
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Persistent vomiting
In children, additional signs of an emergency are:
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Lethargy and failure to interact normally
- Extreme irritability or distress
- Symptoms that were improving and then suddenly worsen
- Fever with a rash
Sources: Mayo Clinic Patient information Flu vs. Cold, Laura J. Martin, MD for WebMD
