The Flu. vs. the Cold
The symptoms are there. But is it the flu or the cold? While many symptoms of the common cold are similar to those of the flu or H1N1 (swine flu), it’s important to know the difference. Often, flu symptoms are more severe. See below for a helpful breakdown:
SYMPTOM |
COLD |
FLU |
| Fever | Rare | (100-102 degrees F), may last 3-4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Usually |
| Body aches, pains | Slight | Severe |
| Fatigue | Mild | Severe, may last 2-3 weeks |
| Weakness | Not Common | Yes |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Sometimes | Common, can be severe |
| Chills & sweats | Not common | Sometimes |
| Vomiting | Not common | Sometimes |
| Diarrhea | Not common | Sometimes |
| Complications |
Sinus congestion Earache |
Bronchitis Pneumonia Can be life threatening |
Flu Education and Prevention
The old saying holds true: there’s no cure for the common cold. In most cases, the virus just needs to run its course. In severe cases, however, we recommend seeking medical attention so it doesn’t develop into pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening infection of the lungs that can follow either the cold or the flu.