Flu or Cold? A Checklist
Mass General Flu Information Center
Find out what you need to know to prevent influenza, treat its symptoms, and identify the signs of severe flu complications.
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High fever: Only flu
Cough and sore throat: Both cold and flu
Body ache, headache, tiredness: Only flu
Sneezing: Only cold
Stuffy nose: Both cold and flu
Breathing problems: Only flu
Note: This chart is to help show the differences between cold and flu. Only your health care provider can determine if you are sick with cold or flu. If you are concerned about signs of the flu or cold, contact your health care provider.
Find out what you need to know to prevent influenza, treat its symptoms, and identify the signs of severe flu complications.