| Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
Rare |
Usual; high (100°F to 102°F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache |
Rare |
Common |
| General Aches, Pains |
Slight |
Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness |
Sometimes |
Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion |
Never |
Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
| Stuffy Nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Sneezing |
Usual |
Sometimes |
| Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough |
Mild to moderate; hacking cough |
Common; can become severe |
| Treatment |
Antihistamines
Decongestant
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines |
Antiviral medicines— see your healthcare provider |
| Prevention |
Wash your hands often with soap and water; Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold |
Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines—see your healthcare provider |
| Complications |
Sinus infection
Middle ear infection
Asthma |
Bronchitis, pneumonia; can worsen chronic conditions; can be life threatening. Complications more likely in the elderly, those with chronic conditions, young children, and pregnant women |