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cold versus flu


Upper Respiratory Infections Symptoms: Cold Versus Flu
The following table compares the symptoms of upper respiratory infection and influenza.

SymptomsColdInfluenza
Feverrarevery common; 102-104 degrees
Headacherarely severecommon and often severe
Body achesmild if presentvery common and severe
Weakness or fatiguemild if presentvery common, may last 3 weeks
Extreme exhaustionvery rarecommon early symptom
Sore throatcommon - gradual onsetsometimes
Nasal congestionvery commonsometimes - abrupt onset
Sneezingvery commonsometimes
Coughmild hacking coughcommon; can be severe
Chest congestion / pleurisymild - gradual onsetcommon; can be severe
Nausea and vomitingraresometimes
Complicationssinusitis; otitis mediapneumonia, dehydration
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Last Updated: Nov 5, 2008  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MDJohn H. Beckett, MDD. Scott Gettings, MD
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