For information on COVID-19, visit our COVID information page.
Cold or Flu? What to Do?
What is influenza (also called flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Signs and symptoms of flu
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
Click here for more information on the flu from the CDC.
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
|
Symptoms
|
Cold
|
Flu
|
|
Fever
|
Rare
|
Usually high,
greater than 100 degrees;
lasts3-4 days
|
|
Headache
|
Rare
|
Common
|
|
General Aches & Pains
|
Slight
|
Usual,
often severe
|
|
Fatigue/ Weakness
|
Sometimes
|
Usual,
can last up to 2-3 weeks
|
|
Extreme Exhaustion
|
Never
|
Usual,
during beginning of illness
|
|
Stuffy Nose
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
|
Sneezing
|
Usual
|
Sometimes
|
|
Sore Throat
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
|
Chest Discomfort
|
Mild to moderate;
hacking cough
|
Common!
can be severe
|
|
Treatment
|
Antihistamines,
Decongestants,
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
|
Antiviral medication-see your doctor
|
|
Prevention
|
Wash your hands often!
Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold
|
Annual vaccination, antiviral medications-see your doctor
|
|
Complications
|
Sinus infection,
middle ear infection,
asthma
|
Bronchitis or pneumonia,
can be life threatening
|