Is it a cold or the flu?
Use this table to help determine if you or a family member has a cold or the flu.
|
Symptom
|
Cold
|
Flu (influenza)
|
|---|---|---|
|
Fever
|
Rare
|
Usual, high fever (39°C/102°F to 40°C/104°F); sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days
|
|
Headache
|
Rare
|
Usual, can be severe
|
|
General aches and pains
|
Sometimes, mild
|
Usual, often severe
|
|
Tired and weak
|
Sometimes, mild
|
Usual, may last 2-3 weeks or more
|
|
Extreme fatigue
|
Unusual
|
Usual, early onset
|
|
Runny, stuffy nose
|
Common
|
Common
|
|
Sneezing
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
|
Sore throat
|
Common
|
Common
|
|
Chest discomfort, coughing
|
Sometimes, mild to moderate
|
Usual, can be severe
|
|
Complications
|
Can lead to sinus congestion or earache
|
Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure;
Can worsen a current chronic respiratory condition; Can be life-threatening |
When to seek medical attention
If you develop the following symptoms, visit a health care provider right away:
- Shortness of breath, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Bluish or grey skin colour
- Bloody or coloured mucus/spit
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- High fever lasting more than three days
- Low blood pressure
Additional symptoms to watch for in children
- Not drinking enough fluids or eating
- Not waking up or interacting
- Irritability; not wanting to play or be held
Published date:
January 11, 2018