Health and Wellness Tips
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between a simple cold and the more serious condition of the flu. They are similar in many ways, but the flu can lead to more serious illnesses. Below is a chart to help you determine the signs and symptoms of each.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
| Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (102-104° F), lasts 3-4 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; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
| Complications | Sinus congestion or earache | Bronchitis; pneumonia; can be life threatening |
| Prevention | None | Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines – see your physician |
| Treatment | Only temporary relief of symptoms | Antiviral medicines – see your physician |
Adapted from: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
