Is it the Cold or the Flu?

Information, Research, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The Good Doctor's Guide to Colds and Flu

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 Options

Influenza (Flu)

More severe viral infection with sudden onset, affecting entire body with systemic symptoms.

Flu Info & Treatment Options

Symptom 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

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