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?
Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly and include fever, aches, chills, and tiredness. But how do they differ from cold symptoms?
| 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.
TAMIFLU is prescribed for treating adults and children 1 year and older with influenza (flu) whose symptoms started within the last day or two. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in patients 1 year and older. TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the annual flu vaccinations (you should still get the flu shot every year).
Before taking TAMIFLU, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, respiratory disease, or other serious health conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or if you have received nasally administered influenza virus vaccine during the past two weeks.
If you develop an allergic reaction or a severe rash, stop taking TAMIFLU and contact your healthcare professional immediately, as it may be very serious. People with the flu, particularly children and adolescents, may be at an increased risk of self injury and confusion shortly after taking TAMIFLU and should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior. A healthcare professional should be contacted immediately if the patient taking TAMIFLU shows any signs of unusual behavior.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.
Talk to Your Doctor
Next steps for getting prescription TAMIFLU
Get Tamiflu
Know Your Flu Symptoms
Evaluate your symptoms and help guide your doctor discussion
Check Symptoms