The cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different types of viruses with different symptoms. Use this chart to learn the difference between the two.
| Signs & Symptoms | Influenza | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Usually present | Rare |
| Aches | Usual, often severe | Slight |
| Chills | Fairly Common | Uncommon |
| Tiredness | Moderate to severe | Mild |
| Symptom onset | Symptoms can appear with 3 to 6 hours | Symptoms appear gradually |
| Coughing | Dry, unproductive cough | Hacking, productive cough |
| Sneezing | Uncommon | Common |
| Stuffy Nose | Uncommon | Common |
| Sore Throat | Uncommon | Common |
| Chest Discomfort | Often Severe | Mild to moderate |
| Headache | Common | Uncommon |
If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms that sound more like the flu than a cold call your doctor right away.
There are prescription medicines that can actually help prevent you from getting the flu – or shorten the duration if you already have it. But you must start treatment within 48 hours of first symptoms.