The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the similarity of symptoms may make it hard to know the difference between the cold and the more serious seasonal flu (influenza). Reading the symptoms correctly can help you decide when to ask for professional medical help. Both differing symptoms and the severity of symptoms should help you decide whether you are dealing with an annoying cold or a more serious flu, which could become bronchitis or life-threatening pneumonia.
Fever and Chills
Symptoms of fever and chills tend to indicate a case of the flu rather than a cold. The Tamiflu website states that running a fever of higher than 100 degrees F for three or four days is likely with the flu, where fever is present in 80 percent of cases. Fever with a cold is unlikely. Chills are also unlikely with a cold, but are present in about 60 percent of flu cases.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion and a runny nose are common with colds. The CDC website states that flu rarely occurs with a runny nose or upper respiratory congestion. Sneezing is also a common symptom of a cold, but unlikely with the flu.
Aches
One of the most common symptoms of flu is aching. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website states headaches and body aches and pains are pronounced and expected with the flu. Any aching with a cold is more likely to be mild. Chest tightness and aching is also mild with a cold but severe with the flu.
Cough, Sore Throat
Coughing with a cold is likely to produce mucous. The Tamiflu website states coughing is also common with the flu, but with the flu the cough is non-productive and dry. A sore throat is likely with a cold, but not likely with the flu.
Feeling Weak, Tired
Although unpleasant, a cold doesn't make you feel as weak and tired as the flu does. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website states that both weakness and feeling tired come on suddenly and severely with the flu. That feeling of weakness may stay with you for two to three weeks with the flu. With the common cold there is no such feeling of exhaustion as there is with the flu.
Prevention
It is possible to take preventative measures with the flu. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website states an annual flu shot is effective in preventing a bout with the flu, while there is no similar effective prevention for the common cold.
