Symptoms of Influenza
Symptoms of InfluenzaSymptoms of InfluenzaSymptoms of Influenza
Symptoms of Influenza
Influenza Virus Magnified 100,000x

Is it a Cold or the Flu?
How to Determine if You Have a Common Cold or Influenza
 
from Science Prof Online



To reduce the spread of influenza, the typical guideline is for those who are sick to stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours. But if you begin feeling under the weather, how do you know if it’s the flu or just a miserable common cold?

Both influenza and the common cold are respiratory infections caused by viruses, but the flu tends to come on quickly, make a person feel severely ill, and present more danger of 
Article Summary: A cold or the flu can make a person feel miserable, but with influenza now such a serious concern, it's important to know the difference between these two infections.
Do I Have a Cold or Is It the Flu?
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Prokaryotic Cell, Mariana Ruiz
​Page last updated: 6/2014

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Rhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common cold
Rhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common cold
Rhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common cold
Rhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common cold
Rhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common cold
Rhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common cold
Rhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common coldRhinovirus: One of the many viruses that cause symptoms of the common cold
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complications than does the common cold. Although colds and flu do share some symptoms, there are also symptoms that are more characteristic of one or the other. Here is a simple comparison of cold and flu symptoms.

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Cold Versus Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of Influenza
  • Body Aches: Severe (+). Severe body aches and often associated with the flu.
  • Chills: Common (+). Chills, shivering and feeling cold, are often present with the flu.
  • Coughing: Common, without phlegm (+). A “dry” cough, one that does not produce mucus, is often present.
Symptoms of the Common Cold
  • Coughing: Common, with phlegm (+). A “wet” cough, one that produces mucus, is often present. 
  • Nasal Congestion: Common (+). A stuffy nose is a typical symptom of those infected with a cold virus.
  • Sneezing: Common (+).
  • Sore Throat: Common (+). A scratchy or painful throat often occurs with a cold.
  • Body Aches: Mild (-). Slight body aches and pains can be associated with the common cold.
  • Chills: Uncommon (-).
  • Exhaustion: Mild (-). A person with a cold usually feels mildly tired and worn out.
  • Fever: Uncommon (-). A cold rarely results in fever.
  • Headache: Uncommon (-). Headaches are not typically associated with colds, unless a result of sinus pressure due to nasal congestion.
  • Chest Discomfort: Mild to Moderate (- / + ).
  • Onset of Symptoms: Gradual. Cold symptoms typically develop over the course of a few days.
Coronaviruses are one type of virus known to cause the common cold. They have a halo, or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under an electron microscope.
Coronaviruses are one type of virus known to cause the common cold. They have a halo, or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under an electron microscope.
  • Exhaustion: Moderate to Severe (+).Fever: Common (+). Most people who get the flu develop a fever of over 100°F which typically lasts up to 4 days.
  • Headache: Common (+). Most people with the flu do develop a headache.Nasal Congestion: Uncommon (-).
  • Sneezing: Uncommon (-).
  • Sore Throat: Uncommon (-).
  • Chest Discomfort: Mild to Moderate (- / + ).
  • Onset of Symptoms: Sudden. The flu comes on quickly, with fever, aches, pains and headache developing over the course of only a few hours.

Although this list can be helpful in distinguishing between cold and flu symptoms, it is definitely not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis. If you are feeling ill, please see a doctor, not a computer.

Symptoms of Influenza
Sources & Resources






​For more information on influenza and vaccination, check out >

"What You Should Know for the 2013 - 2014 Influenza Season", from the CDC
and 
Find out why Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns gets his seasonal influenza vaccine.

Mosquitos are the Insect Vector Involved in the Spread of West Nile Virus (WNV)