School Nurse

Do you have a cold or the flu? How to know which one you have.

If you have a cold, you'll probably have symptoms like these:

• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• sneezing
• cough
• headache or body aches
• mild tiredness

Flu symptoms can include:

• dry, hacking cough
• moderate to high fever, although not everyone with the flu will run a fever
• sore throat
• shaking chills
• severe muscle or body aches
• headache
• stuffy and runny nose
• severe fatigue that may last up to two weeks
• nausea and vomiting (most common in children)

Colds come on gradually over a few days and are often milder than the flu. They usually get better in 7 to 10 days, although symptoms can last for up to 2 weeks.

Flu symptoms come on quickly and can be severe. They usually last 1 to 2 weeks.

Use your symptoms as a guide to figure out which condition you have. If you think you might have the flu, see your doctor to get tested within the first 48 hours of showing symptoms.

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