Cold/Flu Comparison Chart
Signs and Symptoms |
Colds |
Flu |
---|---|---|
LOCATION OF INFECTION: | Upper respiratory | Whole respiratory system |
CAUSED BY: | >200 strains of viruses (rhinovirus-most common) |
3 strains of viruses: |
ONSET: | Gradual (over a day or two) | Sudden (within a few hours) |
FEVER: | Occasional | Characteristic; high (over 101F); lasting 2-4 days |
HEADACHE: | Frequent & usually less severe | Prominent & often severe |
GENERAL ACHES; PAINS: | Slight | Usual, often severe |
FATIGUE; WEAKNESS: | Quite mild | Can last up to 2-3 weeks |
EXTREME EXHAUSTION: | Never | Early and prominent |
STUFFY NOSE: | Very common | Sometimes |
SORE THROAT: | Common | Sometimes |
CHEST DISCOMFORT; COUGH: | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
SEASON (Viruses thrive in the cold seasons) | All year round, with peak in the Winter | Most cases between November & February |
DO ANTIBIOTICS HELP? | No | No |
CAN THE DOCTOR HELP? | Only by treatments that lesson the symptoms | Antiviral prescription medications have a modest effect on reducing symptoms but can be expensive. Uncomplicated influenza often resolves within 7-10 days. |