Read about seasonal influenza basics and prevention from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Check your symptoms below.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Chest discomfort and cough | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common and can become severe |
| Extreme exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
| Fatigue and weakness | Quite mild | Can last up to 2 to 3 weeks |
| Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (102 to 104°F), lasts 3 to 4 days |
| General aches and pains | Slight | Usual and often severe |
| Headache | Rare | Prominent |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
| Option Type | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Complications | Sinus congestion or earache | Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
| Prevention | None | Annual vaccination and antiviral medicines; see your doctor |
| Treatment | Only temporary relief of symptoms | Antiviral medicines; see your doctor |
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases