How to Tell the Difference Between the Flu and a Cold?
SUMMARY:
The CDC provides information on how to discriminate between the flu and the ‘common cold’. Both conditions are viral in origin. Co-infection with bacteria is possible and in the case of infection with influenza virus, can lead to significant and serious complications.
‘Signs and Symptoms’ Comparisons
| Influenza | Cold | |
|---|---|---|
| Symptom onset | Abrupt | Gradual |
| Fever | Usual | Rare |
| Aches | Usual | Slight |
| Chills | Fairly common | Uncommon |
| Fatigue, weakness | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Common |
| Stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common |
| Chest discomfort, cough | Common | Mild to moderate |
| Headache | Common | Rare |
Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
KEY POINTS:
Flu Symptoms
Patient may experience just a few or many
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
Note: Not everyone with flu will have a fever
Flu Complications
- Moderate complications
- Sinus and ear infections
- Serious flu complications (can result from either influenza virus infection alone or from co-infection of flu virus and bacteria)
- Pneumonia
- Heart inflammation (myocarditis)
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
- Muscle inflammation (myositis, rhabdomyolysis)
- Multi-organ failure (e.g., respiratory and kidney failure)
- Sepsis
- Exacerbation of chronic medical problems
- Asthma attacks
- Worsening of heart disease
High Risk Categories
The following are at high risk of complications related to influenza virus infection
- Young children
- Adults aged 65 years and older
- Pregnant women are at especially high risk
Note: To see the comprehensive list of high risk flu categories (and more), see the CDC Emergency Advisory below in the ‘Related ObG Topics’ section
