Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | Usual; high (100°F to 102°F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
| General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last up to 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 |
| Treatment | Antihistamines Decongestant Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines | Antiviral medicines— See your doctor |
| Prevention | Wash your hands often Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold |
Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines — see your doctor |
| Complications | Sinus congestion Middle ear infection Asthma |
Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life threatening |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases
