Is it a cold or the flu? The signs that tell them apart

Colds and flu share a runny nose, a cough and a sore throat, so it is easy to mix them up. The difference is mostly in how fast they start and how hard they hit.

Signs that point to a cold

• It came on slowly over a day or two
• A stuffy or runny nose is the main problem
• Little or no fever
• You feel tired but can still get through the day

Signs that point to the flu

• It hit you within a few hours
• A fever of 100.4 °F or higher
• Aches in your muscles and joints
• You feel too unwell to get out of bed

What helps at home

Rest, fluids and fever medicine you already use are the main treatment for both. Antibiotics do not help with colds or flu. If it is the flu and you are at higher risk, an antiviral medicine works best in the first two days, so call early.

When to call us

Call for a same-day visit if a fever lasts more than three days, if a child is drinking much less than usual, or if you feel better and then suddenly worse. For trouble breathing or chest pain, call 911.