Not sure if you're coming down with a cold, the flu or just one of those 24-hour flu bugs that leaves you feeling nauseated? Well, first off, that 24-hour bug isn't the flu at all. If it has kicked you in the gut, you probably have viral gastroenteritis — an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the "stomach flu," even though it's not caused by any of the influenza viruses.
A cold and the flu share some of the same symptoms. But even a bad cold is pretty mild, compared to a bout with the flu.
There's no cure for either — each is caused by viruses and antibiotics are useless against them.
A cold usually comes on gradually — over the course of a day or two. Generally, it leaves you feeling tired, sneezing, coughing and plagued by a running nose. You often don't have a fever, but when you do, it's only slightly higher than normal. Colds usually last three to four days, but can hang around for 10 days to two weeks.
Flu, on the other hand, comes on suddenly and hits hard. You will feel weak and tired and you could run a fever as high as 40 C. Your muscles and joints will probably ache, you will feel chilled and could have a severe headache and sore throat. Getting off the couch or out of bed will be a chore. The fever may last three to five days, but you could feel weak and tired for two to three weeks.
The following chart illustrates the major differences between cold and flu symptoms:
| Signs & symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Occasional | Often above 38.5 C for 2-4 days |
| Headache | Frequent but not severe | Prominent and often severe |
| Aches/pains | Slight | Often severe |
| Fatigue/weakness | Mild | Can last 2-3 weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Occasional |
| Sore throat | Common | Occasional |
| Cough | Hacking | Can become severe |
| Chest discomfort | Mild to moderate | Common, can become severe |
| Onset | Gradual (develops over a day or two) | Sudden (within a few hours) |
| Cause | 200 strains of cold virus | 3 strains of influenza virus |
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External Links
- National Archives of Canada guide to the 1918 flu
- The flu in Elkpoint, Alberta
- Public Health Agency: FluWatch weekly reports
- Health Canada: avian influenza
- World Health Organization: influenza
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control: influenza
- Lung Association: influenza
- Canadian Coalition for Influenza Vaccination
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