<p> C/C: Cold versus Flu Is It a Cold or the Flu?</p><p>SYMPTOMS COLD FLU Usual; high (100°F to 102°F; Fever Rare occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days</p><p>Headache Rare Common</p><p>General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe</p><p>Fatigue, Weakness Sometimes Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks</p><p>Extreme Exhaustion Never Usual; at the beginning of the illness</p><p>Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes</p><p>Sneezing Usual Sometimes</p><p>Sore Throat Common Sometimes</p><p>Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate; hacking cough Common; can become severe</p><p>Antihistamines Decongestant Antiviral medicines— Treatment Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory See your doctor medicines</p><p>Wash your hands often Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines Prevention Avoid close contact with anyone with a — see your doctor cold</p><p>Sinus congestion Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life Complications Middle ear infection threatening Asthma</p><p>U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall06/articles/fall06pg19.html http://birdflusecrets.com/How%20to%20determine%20the%20flu%202.gif http://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm?objectID=3938C854-D56F-E6FA-90980ED57349D2B1 </p>