Is it a cold or the flu ?
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| Symptom | Cold | Influenza |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | Usual high fever (102°F/39°C - 104°F/40°C) sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Usual, can be severe |
| General aches and pains | Sometimes, mild | Usual, often severe |
| Fatigue and weakness | Sometimes, mild | Usual, severe, may last 2-3 weeks or more |
| Extreme fatigue | 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 earache | Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure, can worsen a current chronic condition, can be life-threatening |
| Prevention | Frequent hand washing | Annual vaccination and frequent hand washing |
