Is It the Flu, Or Is It a Cold?
Flu is often confused with the common cold. Flu symptoms develop more quickly and are more severe than those of a cold.
Use this chart to compare the symptoms.
| SYMPTOMS |
COLD |
FLU |
| Head |
Headaches are rare |
Achy |
| Nose |
Runny, sneezing |
Stuffy sometimes |
| Throat |
Sore |
Sore sometimes |
| Chest |
Severe or hacking cough |
Dry cough; can become severe |
| Appetite |
Normal |
Decreased |
| Muscles |
Fine |
Achy |
| Onset |
Slow |
Sudden |
| Body Temperature |
Low or no fever; no chills |
High fever (over 102 F); chills |
| Fatigue |
Mild |
Severe; can last two to three weeks |
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |