| Cold | Flu | |
| Symptoms | ||
| Fever | Rare | Usual; high (100°F to 102°F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
| General aches, pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion | Never | Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest discomfort, cough | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
