Symptoms
|
Cold
|
Flu
|
Fever
|
Rare
|
Usual; high (100F to
102F; occasionally
higher, especially in
young children); lasts 3
to 4 days
|
Headache
|
Rare
|
Common
|
General Aches, Pains
|
Slight
|
Usual; often severe
|
Fatigue, Weakness
|
Sometimes
|
Usual; can last up to 2 to
3 weeks
|
Extreme Exhaustion
|
Never
|
Usual; at the beginning
of the illness
|
Stuffy Nose
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
Sneezing
|
Usual
|
Sometimes
|
Sore Throat
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
Chest Discomfort, Cough
|
Mild to moderate;
hacking cough
|
Common; can become
severe
|
Treatment
|
Antihistamines
Decongestant
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory
medicines
|
Antiviral medicines - see
your doctor
|
Prevention
|
Wash your hands often
Avoid close contact with
anyone with a cold
|
Annual vaccination;
antiviral medicines - see
your doctor
|
Complications
|
Sinus congestion
Middle ear infection
Asthma
|
Bronchitis, pneumonia;
can be life threatening
|
