MyGI - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Community

Is it a Cold or a Flu?

Wednesday, 04 November 2009

Is it a cold or the flu?  Symptom Cold Influenza Fever Rare Usual high fever (102F/39C 104F/40C) sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days  Headache  Rare  Usual, can be severe  General aches and pain  Sometimes, mild  Usual, often severe  Fatigue and weakness  Sometimes, mild  Usual, severe, may last 2-3 weeks or more  Extreme fatigue  Unusual  Usual early onset, can be severe  Runny, stuffy nose  Common  Common  Sneezing  Common  Sometimes  Sore throat  Common  Common  Chest discomfort, coughing  Sometimes, mild to moderate  Usual, can become severe  Complications Can lead to sinus congestion or earache  Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure, can worsen a current chronic condition, can be lifethreatening  Prevention  Frequent hand washing  Annual vaccination and frequent hand washing    From The Canadian Medical Association (CMA)