Is It a Cold or the Flu?
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Is It a Cold or the Flu?
| Symptom | Cold | Flu (Influenza) |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | high fever (102°F/39°C to 104°F/40°C), sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Usual, can be severe |
| General aches and pains | Sometimes, mild | Usual, often severe |
| Tired and weak | Sometimes, mild | Usual, may last 2-3 weeks or more |
| Extreme fatigue | Unusual | Usual, early onset |
| Runny, stuffy nose | Common | Common |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Common |
| Chest discomfort, coughing | Sometimes, mild to moderate | Usual, can be severe |
| Complications | Can lead to sinus congestion or earache | Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure; Can worsen a current chronic respiratory condition; Can be life-threatening |
See a health care provider right away if you develop the following symptoms
• Shortness of breath, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Bluish or grey skin colour
• Bloody or coloured mucus/spit
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• High fever lasting more than three days
• Low blood pressure
Additional symptoms to watch for in children
• Not drinking enough fluids or eating
• Not waking up or interacting
• Irritability; not wanting to play or be held