The difference between influenza and a common cold
|
SYMPTOM |
INFLUENZA |
COMMON COLD |
|
Fever |
Usual, sudden onset 38o-40o and lasts 3-4 days. |
Rare |
|
Headache |
Usual and can be severe |
Rare |
|
Aches and pains |
Usual and can be severe |
Rare |
|
Fatigue and weakness |
Usual and can last 2-3 weeks or more after the acute illness |
Sometimes, but mild |
|
Debilitating fatigue |
Usual, early onset can be severe |
Rare |
|
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
In children over 5 years |
Rare |
|
Watering of the eyes |
Rare |
Usual |
|
Runny, stuffy nose |
Rare |
Usual |
|
Sneezing |
Rare in early stages |
Usual |
|
Sore throat |
Usual |
Usual |
|
Chest discomfort |
Usual and can be severe |
Sometimes, but mild to moderate |
|
Complications |
Respiratory failure; can worsen a current chronic condition; can be life threatening |
Congestion or ear-ache |
|
Fatalities |
Well recognised |
Not reported |
|
Prevention |
Influenza vaccine; frequent hand-washing; cover your cough |
Frequent hand-washing, cover your cough |