Symptom Guide

Below is a list of common symptoms for the Cold and Flu

ColdCold Symptom
Listing		 FluFlu
Rare Fever Usual; high (100°F to 102°F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days
Rare Headache Common
Slight General Aches, Pains Usual; often severe
Sometimes Fatigue, Weakness Usual; can last up 2 to 3 weeks
Never Extreme Exhaustion Usual; at the beginning of the illness
Common Stuffy Nose Sometimes
Usual Sneezing Sometimes
Common Sore Throat Sometimes
Mild to moderate; hacking cough Chest Discomfort, Cough Common; can become severe
 
  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestant
  • Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory medicines
 Treatment Antiviral medicines - See your doctor
  • Wash your hands often
  • Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold
 Prevention Annual Vaccination; antiviral medicines - see your doctor
  • Sinus congestion
  • Middle ear infection
  • Asthma
 Complications
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Can be life threatening
 
Information provided by NIAID www.NIAID.gov (PDF VERSION)