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Is It a Cold or the Flu?

SymptomsColdFlu
 feverrarecharacteristic, high (102°–104° F); lasts 3–4 days
 headacherareprominent
 general aches, painsslightusual; often severe
 fatigue, weaknessquite mildcan last up to 2–3 weeks
 extreme exhaustionneverearly and prominent
 stuffy nose, sore throatcommonsometimes
Complicationssinus congestion or earachebronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening
Preventionnoneannual vaccination; antiviral medicines—see your doctor
Treatmentonly temporary relief of symptomsantiviral medicines—see your doctor
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

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