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Flu or Cold?


What is the difference between the cold and the flu?
The common cold and flu symptoms are often very similar. Use the chart below to help you determine if what you have is a simple cold or the flu. Refer to the Ministry’s website for more details: Detail
Make sure you get your annual Flu Shot

Symptom Cold Influenza
Fever Rare Usual; high fever (102 ° F/39 ° C - 104 ° F, 40 ° C), sudden onset, lasts 3 to 4 days.
Headache Rare Usual; can be severe
Muscle aches and pains Sometimes, generally mild Usual; often severe
Tiredness and weakness Sometimes, generally mild Usual; severe, may last up to 2 to 3 weeks
Extreme tiredness Unusual Usual; early onset, can be severe
Runny, stuffy nose Common Common
Sneezing Common Sometimes
Sore throat Common Common
Chest discomfort, coughing Sometimes, mild to moderate Usual, can become severe.
Complications Can lead to sinus congestion or infection, and ear aches.* Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure, and become life-threatening. Can worsen a chronic condition.
Prevention Frequent hand washing Annual immunization and frequent hand washing

*Colds do not generally result in serious health problems such as pneumonia or bacterial infections.


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