Cold vs. Flu Tool
Know the Difference Between Cold and Flu Symptoms
Can you tell the difference between symptoms of flu and the common cold?
To learn more about your symptoms, if they are associated with the flu, and how TAMIFLU may
help check out the Symptoms at a Glance chart below.
| Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
Fever is rare with a cold.
|
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases.
A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
|
| Coughing |
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
|
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually
present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
|
| Aches |
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
|
Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
|
| Stuffy Nose |
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
|
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
|
| Chills |
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
|
60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
|
| Tiredness |
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
|
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
|
| Sneezing |
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
|
Sneezing is not common with the flu.
|
| Sudden Symptoms |
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
|
The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours.
The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
|
| Headache |
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
|
A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
|
| Sore Throat |
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
|
Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
|
| Chest Discomfort |
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
|
Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
|
DISCLAIMER:
This is not a substitute for a professional, on-site medical diagnosis. However,
you can use the printable symptoms results for discussion with your doctor or other healthcare
professional during your visit to aid in a professional diagnosis.
TAMIFLU for Flu Treatment and Prevention
TAMIFLU is a prescription medication for treatment and prevention of the flu in adults and children aged 1 year and older. Learn more about TAMIFLU for Flu Treatment and Prevention.
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