Is it the Flu or Just a Cold?
When flu season hits, every sniffle can make you wonder if it is the flu or just a cold. Neither are pleasant but there are differences between the two. Here is a chart comparing both medical conditions with some differences between the two.
Symptom | Cold | Flu |
---|---|---|
Fever | Not usually | Usually. Fever comes on suddenly is usually high. Can last around 3 days |
Headache | Not usually | Common |
Chills | no | yes |
Body Aches + Pain | occasionally | Moderate to extreme - can last up to a month |
Runny nose | common | common |
Sneezing | usually | common |
Sore Throat | common | possible |
Coughing | yes | yes - but can become severe |
Onset | slowly | fast |
Appetite | decreased | not hungry |
Other | Can be accompanied by an ear infection or a sinus infection | Can lead to pneumonia, organ failures, and can be life threatening |
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Please note - this isn't by any means meant for you to diagnos or treat an illness. Only a doctor can tell you what's wrong and what course of action you need. This chart is purely for informative purposes and if you're sick, please get medical attention. Also, please feel better soon!