Creighton University

Fever is rare with a cold.

Fever is usually present with the flu
in up to 80% of all flu cases. A
temperature of 100°F or higher for 3
to 4 days is typically associated with
the flu.

A hacking, productive (mucusproducing)
cough is often present
with a cold.

A non-productive (non-mucus
producing) cough is usually present
with the flu (sometimes referred to as
dry cough).

Slight body aches and pains can be
part of a cold.

Moderate to severe aches and pains
are common with the flu.

Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.

Stuffy nose is not commonly present
with the flu.

Chills are uncommon with a cold.

60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.

Tiredness is moderate to severe with
the flu.

Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.

Sneezing is not common with the flu.

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.

The flu typically has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high
fever, aches and pains.

A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.

A headache is very common with the
flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.

Sore throat is not commonly present
with the flu.

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.

Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.