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Difference Between Cold and Flu Symptoms | Theraflu®

COLD OR FLU: WHAT DO I HAVE?

A cold and the flu exhibit many of the same symptoms. However, there are differences that you need to know about, so you can treat your symptoms properly and get better.

HOW DID THE SYMPTOMS DEVELOP?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Gradually

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Rapid or sudden onset

IS THERE A FEVER?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

A fever is rare

FLU SYMPTOMS²

A fever ≥100ºF is common

TIRED?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Mildly

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Moderately to severely

CHILLS?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Rare

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Common

WHAT ABOUT BODY ACHES?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Slight, but usually only headaches

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Usual and often severe, affects the entire body

ANY HEADACHE?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Less common

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Common

STUFFED NOSE?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Common

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Less common

WHAT ABOUT SORE THROAT PAIN?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Less common

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Less common

WHAT TYPE OF COUGH?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Hacking cough that brings up mucus

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Dry, tickly, unproductive cough

CHEST CONGESTION?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS¹

Mild to moderate

FLU SYMPTOMS²

Often severe

There are distinctive differences between cold and flu symptoms, but many subtle ones as well which can lead to confusion. Understand the differences so you can recognize your symptoms and take the right approach to treating a cold or the flu.

SOURCES

1. “Key Facts About Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine. (2015). Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
2. Cold Versus Flu. (2011). Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm

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