How do I tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
| Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
rare in adults & older children; can be as high as 102°F
in infants & small children |
usually 102°F, but can go up to 104°F & usually lasts 3-4
days |
| Headache |
rare |
suddon onset - can be severe |
| Muscle aches |
mild |
usual, & often severe |
| Tiredness & Weakness |
mild |
can last two or more weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion |
never |
sudden onset - can be severe |
| Runny nose |
often |
sometimes |
| Sneezing |
often |
sometimes |
| Sore throat |
often |
sometimes |
| Cough |
mild hacking cough |
usual, can become severe |
Suspected Influenza Questionnaire
Do you have a documented fever of 100.4°F (38°) or higher? Have you had night
sweats and/or shaking chills?
Do you have symptoms of runny nose/nasal congestion, cough, sore throat or body aches?
Did the illness start abruptly - (e.g. going from feeling well to quite ill in a few hours)?
If you answered yes to the above, you may have influenza or another respiratory virus.
- You should self-isolate, limit interaction with other people, for at least 24 hours after you
no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Stay home; drink
plenty of fluids, rest and take Tylenol or Ibuprofen for fever and body aches. Cover your mouth and nose with
tissues when coughing and sneezing and wash hands frequently.
- If you have the above symptoms, please call the Student Health Center at 628-4293 to talk to a
nurse. If you must leave your residence to seek medical care, wear a face mask if available. If your
symptoms worsen, call the Student Health Center, your primary medical provider or go to the Emergency Room.
If you have an on-going chronic medical problem (e.g. diabetes, asthma, kidney disease
or are immunosuppressed or pregnant) and have the above symptoms, you need to be evaluated by a provider.
If you have a rash, neck pain, painful urination, trouble breathing, abdominal pain or severe or persistent
vomiting, you need to be evaluated by a provider. Call your primary provider, the Student Health Center or
go to the Emergency Room. |
