IS IT A COLD ... OR IS IT THE FLU?
SYMPTOMS
FEVER
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is common with the flu.
COUGHING
A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough
is often present with a cold.
A dry, hacking cough is often present with the flu.
ACHES
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold
Moderate body aches are common with the flu.
STUFFY NOSE
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold
and typically resolves within a week.
A runny nose is commonly present with seasonal flu.
CHILLS
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu.
TIREDNESS
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness or lack of energy is moderate with the flu.
SNEEZING
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is commonly present with the flu.
SUDDEN SYMPTOMS
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
Flu symptoms tend to develop over a few days
and include flushed face, loss of appetite,
dizziness and/or nausea/vomiting.
These symptoms last 4-7 days. Diarrhea is common.
HEADACHE
A headache is uncommon with a cold.
A headache is common with flu.
SORE THROAT
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is commonly present with the flu.
CHEST DISCOMFORT
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is moderate with the flu.
PREVENTION TIPS:
· Cough and sneeze into your elbow
· Wash hands with soap and water for a minimum of 15-20 seconds. Sing your ABC’s or the Happy Birthday song while washing your hands.
· Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
· Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing or using hand sanitizer first.
· Stay home if you are sick, vomiting or have a fever above 100.0 to avoid contaminating others.