What Is Flu?
Flu or influenza is a respiratory illness
characterized by high fever (over 101°F), extreme
fatigue and body or muscle aches lasting 3 to 4 days
or more. It does not typically cause stomach upset,
diarrhea, or vomiting. Differences between influenza
and the common cold are the following:
| Signs & Symptoms |
Flu |
Cold |
|
|
Onset |
sudden |
gradual |
| Fever |
high (over 100°F);lasting 3 to 4 days |
less common; usually low-grade |
| Cough |
dry; can become severe |
hacking or congested |
| Headache |
common |
rare |
| Muscle aches and pains |
usual; often severe |
slight |
| Tiredness and weakness |
can last 2 to 3 weeks |
very mild |
| Extreme exhaustion |
early and prominent |
rare or never |
| Chest discomfort |
common |
mild to moderate |
| Stuffy nose |
sometimes |
common |
| Sneezing |
sometimes |
usual |
| Sore throat |
sometimes |
common |
For more information about the flu, visit the
CDC Key Facts about the Flu website.
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