Symptoms: Difference between a Cold and Flu

Flu update -- Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1 Flu

Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases.
A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.

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Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu
(sometimes referred to as dry cough).

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Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.

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Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously
within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.

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Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

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Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.

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Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the flu.

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Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours.
The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

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Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

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Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.

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Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.



One way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness.

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Above, received as an email.