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 | |
Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes | |
Sore throat | Common | Sometimes | |
Chest Discomfort, Cough | Mild to Moderate hacking cough | Common, can become severe | |
Complications | Sinus congestion or earache | Bronchitis, Pneumonia, can be life-threatening | |
Prevention | None | Flu shot | |
Treatment | Only temporary relief of symtpoms | Antiviral medicines- see your Doctor | |