YOU MIGHT HAVE:
IF YOU HAVE:
A cold.
(Symptoms are
usually milder
than those of the
flu and come on
gradually.)
Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing,
scratchy throat, hacking cough.
Watery eyes.
Mild headache.
Mild fever. (More common in children
than in adults.)
Light body aches.
The flu.
(Symptoms often
hit suddenly—and
can really knock
you down.)
High fever (102 degrees or above).
Muscle aches and chills, extreme
tiredness, sore throat.
Severe cough.
Headache.
Upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea.
(More common in children than in
adults.)
Stuffy nose. (Sometimes a symptom.)
At a glance:
A cold versus
the flu
Any way
you cut it, catching a cold or the flu is a
pretty crummy deal. And even though they’re different
illnesses, the symptoms can be similar. So telling them
apart sometimes takes a bit of detective work on your
part. The following chart may help you sort it out.
By far the best way to help prevent the flu is to get im-
munized as soon as the vaccine becomes available each
fall. Vaccines can be given as shots or as a nasal spray—
your doctor can help you decide what’s right for you.
You can also reduce your risk of catching a cold or the
flu by washing your hands, especially before touching
your face. And as much as possible, try keeping your
distance when someone’s ill.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
20
PREVENTION
