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  Home > National Health Ministries > Health Information > Basic Info > The Flu > Cold or Flu?
 
             
 

Is It a Cold or the Flu?

  
             
  It is often difficult to know whether one is suffering from a cold or the flu. The chart below helps distinguish cold from flu symptons. If sever symptons persist, always contact your health care professional.  
             
 

Symptoms

Cold

Flu
Fever  
Rare
Characteristic, high (102-104°); lasts 304 days
Headache  
Rare
Prominent
General aches, pains  
Slight
Usual, often severe
Fatigue, weakness  
Quite mild
Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme exhaustion  
Never
Early and prominent
Stuffy nose  
Common
Sometimes
Sneezing  
Usual
Sometimes
Sore Throat  
Common
Sometimes
Chest discomfort, cough  
Mild to moderate cough
Common; can become severe
   
Complications  
Sinus congestion or ear ache
Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening
   
Prevention  
None
  
Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines, see your doctor
 
     
  Information adapted from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  
             
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