Is It a Cold or the Flu?
At-Risk Individuals
For certain groups of people, the flu can be dangerous. These groups include:
- People age 65 or older Adults or children with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease
- Adults or children with any condition that can compromise the immune system
- Children and teens (between 6 months and 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
- Women who are, or will be, pregnant during the flu season
December 2005 — Your nose is running, your head is throbbing and your throat is aching. You think you have a cold, but maybe it’s the flu. How do you know?
Colds creep up on you, usually two or three days after the infection, and last between two days and two weeks. The flu can spring up almost overnight. Most flu sufferers feel better after three or four days, but coughing and tiredness can sometimes last for two weeks, as well.
Common Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection provides additional differences between the common cold and the seasonal flu:
Fever
- Cold: Rare in adults and older children, but can be as high as 102°F in infants and small children
- Flu: Usually 102°F, but can go up to 104°F and usually lasts three to four days
Headache
- Cold: Rare
- Flu: Sudden onset and can be severe
Muscle Aches
- Cold: Mild
- Flu: Usual, and often severe
Tiredness and Weakness
- Cold: Mild
- Flu: Can last two or more weeks
Extreme Exhaustion
- Cold: Never
- Flu: Sudden onset and can be severe
Runny Nose
- Cold: Often
- Flu: Sometimes
Sneezing
- Cold: Often
- Flu: Sometimes
Sore Throat
- Cold: Often
- Flu: Sometimes
Cough
- Cold: Mild, hacking cough
- Flu: Usual, and can become severe
If you believe you have contracted the flu, be sure to consult your doctor. For referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.