Phone: 616-331-2435
Fax: 616-331-2440
Campus Health Center

10383 A 42nd Ave.
Allendale, MI 49401

Mailing Address:
Campus Health Center
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401

Flu Vs. Cold

Symptom Comparison Table

The table below shows some of the differences in symptoms between the common cold and the flu. This table is for information purposes only and is not intended to substitute for the advice of your healthcare provider.

Print Table

Symptoms Flu Cold
Fever Usually 102°F, but can go up to 104°F and usually lasts three to four days Rare in adults and older children, but can be as high as 102°F in infants and small children
Headache Sudden onset and can be severe Rare
Muscle aches Usual, and often severe Mild
Tiredness and weakness Can last two or more weeks Mild
Extreme exhaustion Sudden onset and can be severe Never
Runny nose Sometimes Often
Sneezing Sometimes Often
Sore throat Sometimes Often
Cough Usual, and can become severe Mild, hacking cough
Complications Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening Sinus congestion; Middle ear infection; Asthma flare-up
Prevention Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines, see your doctor Wash your hands often; avoid close contact with anyone with a cold

Adapted from Is It a Cold or the Flu? by National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Institutes of Health; September 2005.
  Last Modified Date: September 10, 2009
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