The flu is different from a cold. A cold will come on gradually with various symptoms, and the flu will come on suddenly. People who have the flu may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Fever – chills/feeling feverish
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea may occur; this is more common in children than adults.
*Not everyone will experience a fever with the flu.
Flu vs. Cold
| Signs & Symptoms | Influenza (Flu) | 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 |
For more information go to Center of Disease Control Flu & Symptom Severity
Click here for more information about the PHS Immunization Clinic. You can ask your health provider about immunizations or call PHS at 402-826-3880
