I’m sick! But is it a cold or flu?
You wake up in the morning achy all over. You know you’re sick but you’re not sure what you have. It could be a cold or it could be the flu? Well you’re not the only one this happens to. It seems that we often confuse what we have because so many of the symptoms overlap.
While the two have symptoms in common, the flu tends to come on much more quickly and severely. If you do get sick stay home. You really don’t want to share your germs with your friends or co-workers.
Use this chart to help you figure out whether you may have a cold or the flu. Then, go back to bed!
| Symptoms | Common Cold | Flu |
| Symptoms first show up | Appear gradually | Within 3 – 6 hours |
| Stuffy or runny nose | Yes | Sometimes |
| Fever | Sometimes; mild if present | Usually, often 100 degrees F (38.8 degrees C) or higher. |
| Body Aches | Mild | Mild to severe |
| Chills | Sometimes | Yes, sometimes intense |
| Sore Throat | Often | Sometimes |
| Fatigue, weakness | Sometimes | Usually, can last a couple of weeks after recovery |
| Feeling extremely exhausted | No | Yes |
| Headache | Sometimes | Usually, sometimes severe |
| Sinus drainage | Usually | Rarely |
| Chest discomfort; Cough | Mild to moderate | Usually, can become severe |
| Watering eyes | Sometimes | Sometimes, with fever |
| Ears | Ear congestion | No |
| Sneezing | Usually | Sometimes |
| Timing | Anytime throughout the year | Most cases occur in the winter months. |
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