Signs and Symptoms of Cold and Flu

Many signs and symptoms of cold and flu are similar but there are two different conditions.[Read: What is Cold and Flu?]

Signs and Symptoms of Cold: Symptoms of a cold usually start slowly and are:

• Fever (which can be up to 102°F).
• Runny or stuffy nose (the discharge can be green- or yellow-coloured).
• Sore throat.
• Cough.
• Sneezing, watery eyes.
• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Muscle aches.
• Headache.
  

Some people can have uncommon symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, swollen lymph nodes (glands), and changed or husky/hoarse voice. [Read: Symptoms of Flu] 

Signs and Symptoms of Flu:

• High fever (> 102°F).
• Stuffy nose.
• Nausea.
• Chills and sweats.
• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Muscle aches.
• Cough.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite. [Read: Symptoms of Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis)]

The signs and symptoms of cold tend to be usually milder than flu symptoms and the nose is not as runny in flu as in cold. The flu symptoms tend to progress more quickly. In most people both cold and flu are mild diseases and do not cause complications. However flu can be a serious disease in people with chronic illness, lowered immunity (from medications or illnesses), the elderly and people with respiratory diseases. [Read: What is the Treatment for Cold and Flu?]

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