Cold or FLU?

How do I know if it is a cold or the flu? Prevention is key – if you get your flu shot you can be pretty sure it is a cold. Many health care workers are required to get a flu shot by their employer so know that research has been done and it is safe for most people to get the flu shot yearly.

Cold symptoms will give you many “flu like” symptoms but in a much milder version. For example with a cold you may feel fatigued where as with the flu you will have extreme exhaustion that can last for weeks. The chart below will help you determine what you have. Sometimes it is impossible to tell them apart. A cold has many symptoms of the flu but in a milder version. If the person is getting sicker and extreme or intense symptoms then if you seek medical attention they can do a test to determine which is, cold or flu.

If you have the flu seek medical attention. If you have a cold it is from a virus and antibiotics will not help. There is an old saying that if you see a doctor it will be better in one week, if you do nothing you will be better in seven days. Your body can fight a cold on its own, the flu you will need to see the doctor. If you have the flu seek medical attention as there can be some serious complications associated with the flu such as pneumonia. If in doubt ask your doctor. If you are not better in a week see your doctor.


..........................Cold..............FLU
Aches/Pain.......Mild..............Often Severe
Cough...............Yes, Mild.......Often Severe
Exhaustion.......Never............Often Severe
Fatigue.............Mild..............Often Severe
Fever................Rare..............Often 100 to 102 for several days
Headache.........Rare..............Usually
Sneezing..........Frequent.......Rare
Sore Throat.....Common.......Sometimes
Stuffy Nose.....Yes.................Rare