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  4. 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

chills

WHAT ABOUT BODY ACHES?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS1

Slight, but usually only headaches

FLU SYMPTOMS2

Usual and often severe, affects the entire body

Body aches

ANY HEADACHE?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS1

Less common

FLU SYMPTOMS2

Common

Headache

STUFFED NOSE?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS1

Common

FLU SYMPTOMS2

Less common

Stuffed Nose

WHAT ABOUT SORE THROAT PAIN?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS1

Less common

FLU SYMPTOMS2

Less common

Sore Throat

WHAT TYPE OF COUGH?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS1

Hacking cough that brings up mucus

FLU SYMPTOMS2

Dry, tickly, unproductive cough

Type Of Cought

CHEST CONGESTION?

COMMON COLD SYMPTOMS1

Mild to moderate

FLU SYMPTOMS2

Often severe

Chest Congestion

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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