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TextThe flu or the common cold?
Influenza-like illness ( ILI) is defined as fever (temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) and a cough and/or a sore throat in the absence of a KNOWN cause other than influenza. Temperature is typically taken with a thermometer. If taking a temperature with a thermometer is not practical, other possible signs of fever include feeling very warm, having a flushed appearance, sweating or shivering.
Symptoms of the common cold and influenza are similar. However a distinguishing feature of influenza is the presence of fever.
| Symptom | Influenza |
Common Cold
|
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Usual, sudden onset >100°F, lasts 3-4 days |
Rare
|
| Sore throat | Usual | Usual |
| Cough | Dry, sometimes severe | Hacking |
| Headache | Usual and can be severe |
Rare
|
| Aches and pains | Usual and can be severe |
Rare
|
| Fatigue and weakness | Usual and can last 2-3 weeks,moderate to severe |
Sometimes, but mild
|
| Debilitating fatigue | Usual, early onset can be severe |
Never
|
| Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea | In children <5 years old |
Rare
|
| Watering of the eyes | Rare |
Usual
|
| Runny, stuffy nose | Rare |
Usual
|
| Sneezing | Rare in early stages |
Usual
|
| Chest discomfort | Common, often severe |
Sometimes, but mild to moderate
|
| Complications | Respiratory failure; can worsen a current chronic condition; can be life threatening |
Congestion or ear-ache
|
| Fatalities | Well recognized |
Not reported
|
| Prevention | Influenza vaccine; frequent hand-washing; cover your cough |
Frequent hand-washing; cover your cough
|
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