People often mistakenly say they have the “flu” when they actually
have a common cold. Influenza (the “flu”) is more serious than the
common cold. The following table shows some of the differences
between the two.

About Cold :

Symptoms : Rare in adults and older children. Can be as high as 102oF /38.9oC in infants and small children

Headache : Rare

Muscle aches : Mild

Tiredness and
weakness : Mild

Extreme exhaustion : Never

Runny nose : Often

Sneezing : Often

Sore throat : Often

Cough : Mild hacking cough

About Flu:

Symptoms : Usually 102oF / 38.9oC but can go up to 104oF / 40oC and usually lasts
3 to 4 days

Headache : Sudden onset and can
be severe

Muscle aches : Usual, and often
severe

Tiredness and
weakness : Often extreme and can
last two or more weeks

Extreme exhaustion : Sudden onset and can
be severe

Runny nose : Sometimes

Sneezing : Sometimes

Sore throat : Sometimes

Cough : Usual, and can become
severe