Cold and Flu Information

How do you tell the difference between the flu and a cold?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses with some symptoms in common,but they are caused by different viruses.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.

Here is a general guideline:

Symptom
Fever
Headache
General aches
Fatigue/weakness
Stuffy Nose
Sore throat
Cough
Next Step

Cold
rare
rare
mild
mild
common
common, mild
mild to moderate
Rest, cover your cough/sneeze. Wash hands after to prevent spread. Treat symptoms.

Flu
usually high (over 101)
noticeable
yes, often severe
yes, often sever
not usually or mild
sometimes
dry, hacking cough
Flu test (can be done at Student Health Center)
Rest, fluids, treat symptoms. Wash hands frequently to prevent spread.