Is it a Cold or the Flu?
The flu and colds are common respiratory infections during the winter months. People often confuse the two, calling a bad cold the "flu," or the flu a “bad cold.” While they both are caused by viruses, there are some key differences. The table below highlights these differences
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
|
Extreme 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, decongestant, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drink plenty of fluids. Bed rest. Gargle with salt water or use lozenges for a sore throat. (Aspirin should not be used in children under 18 years old because it may play a role in causing Reyes Syndrome.)
|
Antiviral medicines—see your doctor within 2 days after symptoms first appear. Drink plenty of fluids. Get adequate nutrition. Bed rest. (Aspirin should not be used in children under 18 years old because it may play a role in causing Reyes Syndrome.)
|
Prevention |
Wash your hands often. Keep your hand away from your eyes and nose. Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold. |
Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines—see your doctor. Wash your hands often and keep them away from your face. Avoid close contact with anyone with the flu.
|
Complications |
Sinus congestion/infections, middle ear infection, bronchitis, asthma.
|
Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life threatening. |
Sources: “Is It a Cold or the Flu?”, Sept. 2005, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, www.niaid.nih.gov. “Cold and Flu Guidelines,” American Lung Association, www.lungusa.org.
