Recognizing flu
Initially, the flu is easy to confuse with a common cold: both cold and flu can give you a sore throat, cough, and runny nose. But unlike a cold, flu symptoms usually appear without warning, and include body aches and high fever. The fatigue and cough of flu can last more than two weeks. The flu can also lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. So if you have any of the flu symptoms shown here, stay home and call your doctor.
Cold vs. Flu
Fever:
Flu: Usually 100°F-102°F+, for 3-4 days
Cold: Rare
Headache:
Flu: Common
Cold: Rare
Muscle aches:
Flu: Usual, and often severe
Cold: Mild
Tiredness & weakness:
Flu: Can last 2 or more weeks
Cold: Mild
Extreme exhaustion:
Flu: Usual, at beginning of illness
Cold: Never
Stuffy nose & sneezing:
Flu: Sometimes
Cold: Often
Sore throat:
Flu: Sometimes
Cold: Often
Cough:
Flu: Usual, can be severe
Cold: Mild, hacking cough
Adapted from "Is It a Cold or the Flu" by National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Institute of Health
There are vaccination options that help protect against seasonal flu. Learn More.
