What's the Difference between a Cold and the Flu?
| Symptoms | Cold | Influenza, "the Flu" |
| Fever | rare in adults and older children | 102° - 104° F, 3-4 days |
| Headache | rare | sudden onset and can be severe |
| Muscle aches | rare | common, and often severe |
| Fatique and weakness | mild | common, can last two or more weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion | never | sudden onset and can be severe |
| Runny nose | often | sometimes |
| Sneezing | often | sometimes |
| Sore throat | often | sometimes |
| Cough | mild | common, and can become severe |
- If you have symptoms of Influenza, visit Student Health Services today.
- Common cold home treatment: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are effective for the fever and muscular aches of the common cold. Rest and drink plenty of liquid.
- Consider your symptoms and your health history, and call or visit Student Health Services if you have concerns.
