Is it a Cold or the Flu?
The cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different types of viruses. Flu symptoms usually come on quickly (within three to six hours) and consist of a fever, body aches, dry cough and extreme tiredness. Cold symptoms are less severe and typically produce a stuffy nose, productive cough, slight tiredness and limited body aches
Use the quick reference below to determine if what you have is just a cold or if it’s the flu. Remember that if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is better to act fast and speak to your doctor within 12 to 48 hours.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | Usually present |
| Aches | Slight | Usual, often severe |
| Chills | Uncommon | Fairly common |
| Tiredness | Mild | Moderate to severe |
| Sudden symptoms | Symptoms appear gradually | Symptoms can appear within 3-6 hours |
| Coughing | Hacking, productive cough | Dry, unproductive cough |
| Sneezing | Common | Uncommon |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Uncommon |
| Sore throat | Common | Uncommon |
| Chest discomfort | Mild to moderate | Often severe |
| Headache | Uncommon | Common |
Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Call the health center to discuss your symptoms and a plan of care.
Adapted from Flufacts.com by Roche Laboratories Inc.