The Difference Between a Cold and the Flu
The Common Cold vs. Influenza
If you have cold or flu symptoms and any of the following:
- A severe headache
- A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes
- An extremely red or persistent sore throat
- Or, no improvement in 7 days, Seek Medical Care!
Determine whether you have a cold or the flu using the following chart:
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | Usually High (102°F to 104°F) Lasts 3 to 4 days. |
| Cough | Hacking | Common. Can become severe. |
| Chest Discomfort | Mild | Common. Can become severe. |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Early and Prominent |
| Fatigue and Weakness | Quite Mild | Can last up to 3 weeks. |
| General Aches and Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Headache | Rare | Prominent |
- Campus Health Center
- (575) 646-1512
- Corner of Breland and Stewart
- MSC 3529, PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88003
- PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88003
- Walkins: 7:30 am - 11:30 am | 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Monday through Friday