Is It the Flu?
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If you're feeling sick, you may be confused about the cause. Many symptoms of the common cold are similar to those of the seasonal flu or H1N1 flu (swine flu), but often the symptoms for the flu are more severe. Use this chart to help tell the difference, and see below for more information about the related conditions pneumonia and gastroenteritis.
| Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
Rare |
High (100-102 degrees), may last 3-4 days |
| Headache |
Rare |
Usually |
| Body aches, pains |
Slight |
Severe |
| Fatigue |
Mild |
Severe, may last 2-3 weeks |
| Weakness |
Not common |
Yes |
| Stuffy Nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Sneezing |
Usual |
Sometimes |
| Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Cough |
Mild to moderate |
Common, can be severe |
| Chills and sweats |
Not common |
Sometimes |
| Vomiting |
Not common |
Sometimes |
| Diarrhea |
Not common |
Sometimes |
| Complications |
Sinus congestion
Earache |
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Can be life threatening |
As the saying goes, there is no cure for the common cold. Often, the viruses that cause colds or other mild respiratory infections just need to run their course. In some severe cases of the flu, particularly in high-risk patients, it is best to seek medical attention.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can follow either a cold or the flu. Symptoms include:
- A productive cough that yields green or yellow mucus
- Rapid, panting breaths
- Chest pain when inhaling deeply
- Shortness of breath
- Sometimes sweating, clammy skin, headache, fatigue and confusion
Pneumonia can be life-threatening, particularly in the elderly and the very young, so please seek medical attention if you think you have pneumonia.
The "stomach flu," or gastroenteritis, is really not the flu at all. It causes vomiting and diarrhea, but it is the result of a virus in the intestines, not the airways.
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