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Is it a cold or the flu?

Colds and the flu share some common symptoms. In general, cold symptoms tend to start slowly and are usually much milder than the flu, which can come on suddenly and be serious.

Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms.

ACHES AND PAINS: BOTH

Sometimes occur with a cold, but are mild. Common and often severe with the flu.

VOMITING OR DIARRHEA: FLU

Never occurs with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu and more common in kids than adults.

FATIGUE: BOTH

Sometimes occurs with a cold. Common with the flu and can last up to 3 weeks.

SNEEZING: BOTH

Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.

EXTREME EXHAUSTION: FLU

Never occurs with a cold. Common at the start of the illness with the flu.

STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE: BOTH

Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.

FEVER: FLU

Rare with a cold. Common with the flu.

COUGH OR CHEST DISCOMFORT: BOTH

Common with a cold and can be mild to moderate in severity. Common with the flu and can be severe.

HEADACHE: FLU

Rare with a cold. Common with the flu.

SORE THROAT: BOTH

Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.

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