Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Onset of Symptoms | Gradual; Symptoms tend to develop over 1-3 days [26] |
Rapid onset of symptoms (within 3-6 hours) [26] |
| Fever | Rare or low - grade [26] | Usual, High (38°C - 40°C) [27] |
| Fatigue | Mild [26] | Moderate to severe fatigue [26] |
| General aches, pains | Slight body aches, pains [26] | Severe ache [26] |
| Nasal Congestion | Common [26] | Uncommon [26] |
| Headache | Uncommon [26] | Common [26] |
| Sore Throat | Gradual sore throat or irritated throat [26] | Rare [26] |
| Sneezing | Common [26] | Uncommon [26] |
| Chest discomfort | Mild-to moderate [26] | Common, can become severe [26] |
| Cough | A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present. [26] | A dry, non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present. [26] |