What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
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 |
| 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 Decongestants Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines |
Antiviral medicines— see your doctor |
Prevention
|
Wash your hands often with soap and water; 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 worsen chronic conditions; can be life-threatening. Complications more likely in the elderly, those with chronic conditions, young children, and pregnant women |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Tags: cold vs. flu, difference between cold and flu
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on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 2:40 pm and is filed under 2009-2010 Flu Season.
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