The COLD AND FLU Survival Guide
Everything you need to know about getting through this winter in good health.
Not Sure Which One You Have?Is It a Cold or Is It the Flu? Check Your Symptoms WebMD Public Information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases | ||
SYMPTOMS | COLD | FLU |
Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (102-104F); 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 |
SOURCE: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, April 2001. |
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