What's the difference between a cold and the flu?
Like a cold, the flu is highly contagious but, unlike a cold, it is also a serious illness that can have life-threatening complications. To see the differences, compare the list of symptoms for each illness.
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Onset of Symptoms | Slow | Rapid (3-6 hours) |
| Fever | A fever is rare for adults or older children, but infants and small children can have fevers as high as 102° F. | A fever of 102° F is common, but it can be as high as104° F. The fever usually lasts 3 - 4 days. |
| Headache | Rare | Headaches, sometimes severe, can occur suddenly. |
| Muscle Aches | Mild | Muscle aches, often severe, are common. |
| Exhaustion | Mild | Sudden onset of extreme exhaustion is common. |
| Runny Nose | Common | Occasionally |
| Sneezing | Common | Occasionally |
| Sore Throat | Common | Occasionally |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | A cough is common and can be severe. |