Cold vs. Flu: Symptoms, Differences & When to See a Doctor

Cold vs. Flu

| Symptom | Cold | Flu |

|---|---|---|

| Onset | Gradual | Sudden |

| Fever | Usually none or low-grade | Usually high (101°F or higher) |

| Body aches | Mild or none | Severe |

| Headache | Mild or none | Severe |

| Sore throat | Mild or none | Common |

| Cough | Dry or mild | Wet or productive |

| Nasal congestion | Common | Common |

| Sneezing | Common | Common |

| Fatigue | Mild or none | Severe |

| Duration | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks

Note: Cold and flu symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience more severe symptoms than others.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if:

* Your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a week

* You have a medical condition that puts you at high risk for complications from the cold or flu (such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes)

* You are pregnant or breastfeeding