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Flu
With the flu, you are sick all over.
The flu begins abruptly, with a fever, a flushed face, body aches, and lack of energy.
Some people have other symptoms such as dizziness or vomiting.
Somewhere between day 2 and 4 of the illness, the "whole body" symptoms begin to subside, and respiratory symptoms begin to increase.
The virus can settle anywhere in the respiratory tract, producing symptoms of a cold, croup, sore throat, bronchitis, ear infection, and/or pneumonia
The most prominent of the respiratory symptoms is usually a dry, hacking cough.
Most people also develop a sore (red) throat and a headache.
Nasal discharge and sneezing are not uncommon. |
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Colds
The common cold is centered in the nose.
The three most frequent symptoms of a cold are nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and runny nose.
Throat irritation is often involved (but not with a red throat).
Adults and older children with colds generally have minimal or no fever. Infants and toddlers often run a fever in the 100 to 102 degree range.
Depending on which virus is the culprit, the virus might also produce a headache, cough, postnasal drip, burning eyes, muscle aches, or a decreased appetite.
Within one to three days, the nasal secretions usually become thicker and perhaps yellow or green--this is a normal part of the common cold.
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