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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