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Is it a cold or the flu?

 Flu update 1-10-13
The latest information from the Department of Health is showing that the Flu is widespread in Pennsylvania. Below is a chart describing the differences between a cold virus and the Flu virus.
                                                                                               

Symptom
Cold 
Flu

Fever     
Rare
Characteristically High
102-104 F lasts 3-4 days

Headache
Rare
Prominant

 General Aches, Pains
Slight
usual, often severe

 Fatigue, weakness
Quite mild
Can last up to 2-3 weeks

 Extreme Exhaustion
Never
Early and Prominant

 Stuffy Nose
Common
Sometimes

 SneezingUsual
Sometimes

 Sore throat
Common
Sometimes

 Chest Discomfort, Cough
Mild to Moderate
hacking cough
Common, can become severe

 ComplicationsSinus congestion or earache
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, can be life-threatening

 PreventionNone
Flu shot

 TreatmentOnly temporary relief of symtpoms
Antiviral medicines- see your Doctor