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Reviewed 2/19/2024
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<h2>Is it a cold or the flu?</h2>
Colds and the flu share some common symptoms. In general, cold symptoms tend to start slowly and are usually much milder than the flu, which can come on suddenly and be serious.
Let&rsquo;s take a closer look at the symptoms. 
ACHES AND PAINS: BOTH
Sometimes occur with a cold, but are mild. Common and often severe with the flu. 
VOMITING OR DIARRHEA: FLU
Never occurs with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu and more common in kids than adults. 
FATIGUE: BOTH
Sometimes occurs with a cold. Common with the flu and can last up to 3 weeks. 
SNEEZING: BOTH
Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu. 
EXTREME EXHAUSTION: FLU
Never occurs with a cold. Common at the start of the illness with the flu. 
STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE: BOTH
Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu. 
FEVER: FLU
Rare with a cold. Common with the flu. 
COUGH OR CHEST DISCOMFORT: BOTH
Common with a cold and can be mild to moderate in severity. Common with the flu and can be severe. 
HEADACHE: FLU
Rare with a cold. Common with the flu. 
SORE THROAT: BOTH
Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu. 
Flu in the family? Here&rsquo;s how to help stop the spread. 
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Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Lung Association. "Facts About the Common Cold."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/facts-about-the-common-cold" target="_blank">https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/facts-about-the-common-cold</a>.</li>
 <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Cold Versus Flu."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm</a>.</li>
 <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/rhinoviruses-common-cold.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/rhinoviruses-common-cold.html</a>.</li>
 <li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Flu Symptoms &amp; Complications."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fconsumer%2Fsymptoms.htm" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fconsumer%2Fsymptoms.htm</a>.</li>
 <li>FamilyDoctor.org. "Colds and the Flu."&nbsp;<a href="https://familydoctor.org/condition/colds-and-the-flu/" target="_blank">https://familydoctor.org/condition/colds-and-the-flu/</a>.</li>
 <li>News in Health. "Cold, Flu, or Allergy?"&nbsp;<a href="https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy" target="_blank">https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy</a>.</li>
</ul>

Cold or flu?

It can be difficult to tell a cold from the flu.