Cold Symptoms vs. Flu Symptoms


Updated 10/14/11 11:47 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 7 comments

It is cold and flu season and even though these two viruses are lumped together they have their differences. It pays to know their differences, because if your cold is really a flu, you are going to want know. The flu is highly contagious and and can cause complications for people with diabetes or other chronic health conditions.

Here is a breakdown of symptoms according to WebMD.


Symptom Cold Flu
Fever Rare 100-102 degrees
lasts 3-4 days
Headache Rare Prominent
Aches and Pains Slight Usual and often severe
Fatigue Quite mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sore throat Common Sometimes
Cough Mild to moderate Common and can be severe
Complications Sinus congestion and/or earache Bronchitis, pneumonia

There is no cure for either the cold or the flu, and your best bet at not catching them is to wash your hands frequently.

Source

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