Cold & Flu Comparison Chart

Signs and Symptoms

Colds

Flu

LOCATION OF INFECTION: Upper respiratory Whole respiratory system

CAUSED BY: >200 strains of viruses (rhinovirus-most common)
3 strains of viruses:
· INFLUENZA A– causes the deadly influenza pandemic that strikes every 10-40 years (mutates regularly)
· INFLUENZA B–causes smaller, more localized outbreaks (mutates regularly)
· INFLUENZA C–less common and causes only mild symptoms

ONSET: Gradual (over a day or two) Sudden (within a few hours)

FEVER: Occasional Characteristic; high (over 101F); lasting 2-4 days

HEADACHE: Frequent & usually less severe Prominent & often severe

GENERAL ACHES; PAINS: Slight Usual, often severe

FATIGUE; WEAKNESS: Quite mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks

EXTREME EXHAUSTION: Never Early and prominent

STUFFY NOSE: Very common Sometimes

SORE THROAT: Common Sometimes

CHEST DISCOMFORT; COUGH: Mild to moderate; hacking cough Common; can become severe

SEASON (Viruses thrive in the cold seasons) All year round, with peak in the Winter Most cases between November & February

DO ANTIBIOTICS HELP? No No

CAN THE DOCTOR HELP? Only by treatments that lesson the symptoms Antiviral prescription medications have a modest effect on reducing symptoms but can be expensive. Uncomplicated influenza often resolves within 7-10 days.

Signs and Symptoms	Colds	Flu
LOCATION OF INFECTION:	Upper respiratory	Whole respiratory system
CAUSED BY:	>200 strains of viruses (rhinovirus-most common)	3 strains of viruses: · INFLUENZA A– causes the deadly influenza pandemic that strikes every 10-40 years (mutates regularly) · INFLUENZA B–causes smaller, more localized outbreaks (mutates regularly) · INFLUENZA C–less common and causes only mild symptoms
ONSET:	Gradual (over a day or two)	Sudden (within a few hours)
FEVER:	Occasional	Characteristic; high (over 101F); lasting 2-4 days
HEADACHE:	Frequent & usually less severe	Prominent & often severe
GENERAL ACHES; PAINS:	Slight	Usual, often severe
FATIGUE; WEAKNESS:	Quite mild	Can last up to 2-3 weeks
EXTREME EXHAUSTION:	Never	Early and prominent
STUFFY NOSE:	Very common	Sometimes
SORE THROAT:	Common	Sometimes
CHEST DISCOMFORT; COUGH:	Mild to moderate; hacking cough	Common; can become severe
SEASON (Viruses thrive in the cold seasons)	All year round, with peak in the Winter	Most cases between November & February
DO ANTIBIOTICS HELP?	No	No
CAN THE DOCTOR HELP?	Only by treatments that lesson the symptoms	Antiviral prescription medications have a modest effect on reducing symptoms but can be expensive. Uncomplicated influenza often resolves within 7-10 days.