What is the difference between influenza and a common cold?
Influenza and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. These two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, yet there are differences:
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | Usual; high (37.8°C to 38.9°C occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
| General Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
