Comparison of Cold and Flu Symptoms
Common Cold vs. Influenza, How to Know the Difference
Nov 3, 2009
The new H1N1 swine flu arrived early this fall and has already caused numerous school closings and missed days of work. To reduce the spread of influenza, health departments are urging those who are sick to stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours. But if you begin feeling under the weather, how do you know if it’s the flu or just a miserable common cold?
Both influenza and the common cold are respiratory infections caused by viruses, but the flu tends to come on quickly, make a person feel severely ill, and present more danger of complications than does the common cold. Although colds and flu do share some symptoms, there are also symptoms that are more characteristic of one or the other. Here is a simple comparison of cold and flu symptoms.
Symptoms of the Common Cold
- Fever: Uncommon (-). A cold rarely results in fever.
- Nasal Congestion: Common (+). A stuffy nose is a typical symptom of those infected with a cold virus.
- Sore Throat: Common (+). A scratchy or painful throat often occurs with a cold.
- Coughing: Common, with phlegm (+). A “wet” cough, one that produces mucus, is often present.
- Sneezing: Common (+).
- Headache: Uncommon (-). Headaches are not typically associated with colds, unless a result of sinus pressure due to nasal congestion.
- Body Aches: Mild (-). Slight body aches and pains can be associated with the common cold.
- Chills: Uncommon (-).
- Exhaustion: Mild (-). A person with a cold usually feels mildly tired and worn out.
- Chest Discomfort: Mild to Moderate (- / + ).
- Onset of Symptoms: Gradual. Cold symptoms typically develop over the course of a few days.
Symptoms of Influenza
- Fever: Common (+). Most people who get the flu develop a fever of over 100°F which typically lasts up to 4 days.
- Nasal Congestion: Uncommon (-).
- Sore Throat: Uncommon (-).
- Coughing: Common, without phlegm (+). A “dry” cough, one that does not produce mucus, is often present.
- Sneezing: Uncommon (-).
- Headache: Common (+). Most people with the flu do develop a headache.
- Body Aches: Severe (+). Severe body aches and often associated with the flu.
- Chills: Common (+). Chills, shivering and feeling cold, are often present with the flu.
- Exhaustion: Moderate to Severe (+).
- Chest Discomfort: Mild to Moderate (- / + ).
- Onset of Symptoms: Sudden. The flu comes on quickly, with fever, aches, pains and headache developing over the course of only a few hours.
Although this list may be helpful in distinguishing between cold and flu symptoms, it is definitely not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis. If you are feeling ill, please see a doctor, not a computer.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control, (2004) “Cold Versus Flu.”
WebMD, (2009) “Flu or Cold Symptoms?”
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