Fever

Fever is rare with a cold.

Fever is usually present with the flu in up
to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4
days is associated with the flu.

Coughing

A hacking, productive (mucus- producing)
cough is often present with a cold.

A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough
is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry
cough).

Slight body aches and pains can be part of a
cold.

Severe aches and pains are common with the
flu.

Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold
and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.

Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the
flu.

Chills are uncommon with a cold.

60% of people who have the flu experience
chills.

Tiredness is fairly mild with a
cold.

Tiredness is moderate to severe with the
flu.

Sneezing is commonly present with a
cold.

Sneezing is not common with the
flu.

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few
days.

The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours.
The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever,
aches and pains.

A headache is fairly uncommon with a
cold.

A headache is very common with the flu,
present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore throat is commonly present with a
cold.

Sore throat is not commonly present with the
flu.

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a
cold.

Chest discomfort is often severe with the
flu.