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Is it the Flu or a Cold?

Symptoms Cold Flu
Fever Rare Characteristic, high
(102-104°F); lasts 3-4 days
Headache Rare Prominent
General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe
Fatigue, Weakness Quite mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion Never Early and prominent
Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Sore Throat Common Sometimes
Chest Discomfort,
Cough
Mild to moderate;
hacking cough
Common; can become severe
Complications Sinus congestion or earache Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening
Prevention None Annual vaccination; amantadine
or rimantadine (antiviral drugs)
Treatment Only temporary
relief of symptoms
Amantadine or rimantadine within
24-48 hours after onset of symptoms

Information provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

 
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