Symptoms:

Cold:

  • Low-grade or no fever
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy, runny nose
  • Cough

Flu:

  • High fever, 101 degrees or above or feeling feverish/chills
  • Severe headache and body aches
  • Extreme tiredness that can last up to three weeks
  • Chest discomfort
  • Respiratory symptoms such as cough and sore throat

How long symptoms last:

Cold:

  • Two days to up to one week

Flu:

  • A few days to up to two weeks

Complications:

Cold:

  • Sinus Congestion
  • Ear Infection
  • Asthma

Flu:

  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Bacterial infections

Treatment:

Cold:

  • There is no specific treatment for the common cold.
  • Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, can help with symptoms.

Flu:

  • Prescription antiviral medications can shorten how long flu symptoms last and may reduce the risk of complications.
  • Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, can help with symptoms.

Prevention:

Cold:

  • No vaccine available
  • Wash hands often.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone ill.
  • Stay home when you are ill.

Flu:

  • Annual vaccination (flu shot)
  • Wash hands often.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone ill.
  • Stay home when you are ill.

For more information contact the Sedgwick County Health Department Epidemiology Program at 316-660-7300.