photo of doctor
Back to Health Topics page

Flu Quiz





IS IT A COLD OR IS IT THE FLU?
Common Symptoms Cold Flu
Fever Rare Characteristic, high (102°-104°F; lasts 3-4 days)
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
Complications Sinus congestion or earache Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening
Prevention No vaccine or preventive medications; handwashing, plenty of rest and good nutrition will help prevent the common cold Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines--see your doctor
Treatment Only temporary relief of symptoms Antiviral medicines--see your doctor
From the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases