Flu & Cold Symptoms

The flu and common cold are highly contagious viruses that attack the upper respiratory system of those who are infected. However, symptoms of the flu virus are much more severe than those of a cold virus.

Common Cold Symptoms

Symptoms of the common cold are runny nose, sneezing and itchy watery eyes and can come on slowly and last for several weeks.

Colds Are Relatively Harmless

Colds do not usually cause pneumonia, ear infections or other complications that would require hospitalization, while the flu can.

Flu Symptoms Can Be Severe

Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and be severe.

Symptoms

When the flue hits, you could have a fever of more than 101 degrees, alternating chills and sweating, a headache, achy muscles, vomiting and diarrhea.

Common Cold and Flu Symptoms

Symptoms that are common to the cold and the flu include: nasal congestion; sore throat; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; fatigue; and a cough.

Flu Vaccination

Luckily, there is a vaccination for the flu virus to protect you from getting it each season.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cold Versus Flu
• Mayoclinic.com: Influenza (Flu)
• World Health Organization: What Can I Do?