Colds and Flu:

Signs and Symptoms

Intro	Treatment/Getting Better
Facts	Prevention
Signs and Symptoms

How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?

It can be hard to tell if you have a cold or the flu. Both are caused by viruses; however the viruses are not the same. The symptoms for cold and flu are similar, but there are some important differences.

1. Colds - usually milder symptoms that take time to appear
2. Flu - more symptoms especially fever, body aches, fatigue, and dry cough that happen suddenly

Read the table below to see a list of symptoms for colds and flu. You'll notice that they share some symptoms, such as a stuffy nose. The biggest difference is that colds are usually mild and last a few days; flu symptoms are generally worse and last longer.

You may only have a few of these symptoms, or you may have more.

How long does a cold or flu last?

A cold usually lasts for 2 to 14 days after your symptoms start. The flu usually lasts from a few days to a week or two. It's important to remember that you can spread the flu to another person from 1 day before you have symptoms to up to 5-7 days after you get sick.

When should I call my primary care provider?

You should call your primary care provider if you have any of the problems below:

• Having cold symptoms for 10 or more days
• Fever more than 103ºF
• Your symptoms are getting worse (especially if you have a fever of >101°F)
• Any fever for 3 or more days
• Coughing up phlegm that is yellow or green
• Stomach pain
• Chest pain or pressure
• Vomiting (throwing up) especially if you can't keep anything down
• Ear pain or fluid draining from your ears
• Dizziness that comes on suddenly
• You have diabetes, asthma, or another medical condition that gets worse

Should I stay home from school if I have a cold or the flu?

Most health care providers agree that anyone who has a fever and/or symptoms that could be contagious such as a productive cough, diarrhea, vomiting or fatigue, should stay home. Talk to your parent(s) or guardian(s) if you don't feel well enough to go to school. It's important to get enough rest and stay hydrated (you'll need to drink plenty of fluids) when you have a cold or flu. Staying home from school also stops the virus that causes colds and flu from spreading.

When can I go back to school after the cold or flu?

Many schools have their own rules about when you should return to school after being sick. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that anyone with cough and fever stay home from school for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever.

If you're feeling better, but then get sick again with a fever or bad cough, call your primary care provider right away.

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Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 3/14/2011