This time of year, it seems like everyone is catching something!
We hope you find the following information useful to brush up on the key differences between a regular cold & the flu for proper treatment.
Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (100-102°F); lasts three to four days |
Headache | Rare | Prominent |
General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
Fatigue, Weakness | Quite mild | Can last up to two to three weeks |
Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
Chest Discomfort, Cough |
Mild to moderate; hacking cough |
Common; can become severe |
Complications | Sinus congestion or earache |
Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
Prevention | None | Annual vaccination; (antiviral drugs) |
Treatment | Only temporary relief of symptoms |
Symmetrel, Flumadine, Relenza, or Tamiflu within 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms |