Infection Prevention in Henry County
All types of flu have similar symptoms. Although the flu and common cold
have similar symptoms, the flu tends to be more severe.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms include:
- A fever or feeling feverish (although not everyone with the flu has a fever)
- A cough and/or sore throat
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and/or body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
When should I seek emergency medical attention?
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Sever or persistent vomiting
- Seizures
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Do I have the flu or a cold?
The flu and the common cold have similar symptoms. It can be difficult
to tell the difference between them. Your health care provider can give
you a test within the first few days of your illness to determine whether
or not you have the flu.
In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever,
body aches, tiredness, and cough are more common and intense with the
flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.
Information provided by
Flu.gov.