Is it a cold or the flu?

Check the symptoms on our chart

Author: Norton Childrens

Published: January 8, 2018 | Updated: July 30, 2020

Signs and symptoms	Influenza	Cold
Symptom onset	Abrupt	Gradual
Fever	Usually; lasts 3-4 days	Rare
Aches	Usually; often severe	Slight
Chills	Fairly common	Uncommon
Fatigue, weakness	Usual	Sometimes
Sneezing	Sometimes	Common
Stuffy nose	Sometimes	Common
Sore throat	Sometimes	Common
Chest discomfort, cough	Common; can be severe	Mild to moderate; hacking cough
Headache	Common	Rare

Same-day appointments available with our pediatricians at offices throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana.