Is it the Cold or the Flu?
Information, Research, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
Common Cold
Mild respiratory illness with gradual onset, typically affecting nose and throat.
Cold Info & Treatment OptionsInfluenza (Flu)
More severe viral infection with sudden onset, affecting entire body with systemic symptoms.
Flu Info & Treatment OptionsSymptom Comparison: Cold vs Flu
Compare symptoms to help identify your condition
Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
---|---|---|
Fever | Rare | Fever and severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes are typical signs of a flu. Fever is usually high, (100-102 degrees F); and lasts 3-4 days |
Coughing | Coughing can be a sign of either a cold or the flu. But a bad cough usually points to the flu. | |
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 |
Adapted from Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health September 2005 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases |