Healthy Living - Do you have a "cold" or the "flu"?

Healthy Living – Do you have a “cold” or the “flu”?

What is significant about October through May? Well, in North America, it’s the time of year when cold and flu season is upon us. But, what’s the difference? Can you distinguish between the two?

The cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different types of viruses with different symptoms. Use this chart to learn the difference between the two.

Signs and Symptoms	Influenza	Cold
Symptom onset –	Abrupt	Gradual
Fever –	Usual; lasts 3-4 days	Rare
Aches –	Usual; often severe	Slight
Chills –	Fairly common	Uncommon
Fatigue, weakness –	Usual	Sometimes
Sneezing –	Sometimes	Common
Stuffy nose –	Sometimes	Common
Sore throat –	Sometimes	Common
Chest discomfort, cough –	Common; can be severe	Mild to moderate; hacking cough
Headache –	Common	Rare

If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms that sound more like the flu than a cold, you should contact your doctor right away.

Much of the information contained in this post was obtained from Flu Facts.

Disclaimer -The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.