Is it a cold or the flu? Review this symptom checker to help you decide. If you do you have flu-like symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care.
|
Symptom
|
Cold
|
Flu
|
|
Aches
|
Slight
|
Yes, often severe
|
|
Chest Discomfort
|
Mild to moderate
|
Often severe
|
|
Chills
|
Uncommon
|
Usually
|
|
Coughing
|
Hacking, productive cough
|
Dry cough
|
|
Fever
|
Rarely
|
Yes
|
|
Headache
|
Rarely
|
Usually
|
|
Sneezing
|
Common
|
Rarely
|
|
Sore Throat
|
Common
|
Rarely
|
|
Stuffy Nose
|
Common
|
Rarely
|
|
Sudden Symptoms
|
No
|
Yes (often in a few hours)
|
|
Tiredness
|
Mild
|
Moderate to severe
|
