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Is it a Cold or Flu? What is the difference?
Posted By adarshgupta On 17th August 2006 @ 17:27 In Health Library, Children's Health, General Health | No Comments
Cold and Flu both are caused by viruses. They have many similar symptoms but generally Flu is worse. A cold develops gradually. Initial symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and chills are followed by coughing, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and nasal discharge. If fever is present, it will be low-grade (less than 101 degrees). The flu most often hits abruptly, with a sudden high fever, dry cough, and headache. Other symptoms may include muscle aches, weakness, a sore throat, runny nose, and red, watery eyes that are sensitive to light.
Here is a simple chart to differentiate between the two:
| SYMPTOM | COLD | FLU |
| Fever | Rare | Usual; High (100F - 102F) |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
| General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual; up to 2-3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Usual, at beginning |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest discomfort, cough | Mild-Moderate dry cough | Common, can be severe |
| Treatment | Supportive Care: Antihistamines for sneezing, runny nose; Decongestants for stuffy nose; Anti-Tussives (Cough suppresants) for cough; NSAIDs for pain or fever or chills |
Antiviral Prescription Medications; See your doctor |
| Prevention | Wash hands often. Avoid close contact with anyone who had cold. | Annual Flu Shots |
| Complications | Sinus congestion, Middle ear infection or Worsening of Asthma. | Bronchitis, Pneumonia; Can be Life threatening |
Source:
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[1] US FDA: http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/clds&flu.html
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