• sneeze

    `Tis The Season.
    Is it a cold, or the flu?

    		 sick

    Symptoms

    Cold

    Flu

    Fever Slight High fever (102ºF -104º F) Lasts 3-4 days
    Headache Rare Common and bad
    General aches & pains Slight Usual; often very bad
    Fatigue & weakness Very Mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks
    Stuffy nose Common

    Sometimes

    Sneezing Usual Sometimes
    Sore throat Common Sometimes

    Chest discomfort ,
    hacking cough

    		Mild to medium Common; can become very bad
    Sputum (thick mucus) Present/ common Rare


         Cold and flu are caused by viruses, which can't be killed with antibotics. That's why going to the doctor usually doesn't help, and insisting that your doctor writes a percription for antibiotics only contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance.
    Call the doctor, however, if you have:

    • A severe sore throat, especially if there are white patches in the back.
    • High fever and headache for more than 3-4 days.
    • Shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden dizziness, and coughing up something pink or reddish.
    • Unusual symptoms that worry you.

      Sources:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; US Food and Drug Adminstration