How To Tell If You Re Getting Sick

Cough. Sneeze. Shiver. Hack.

There are dozens, possibly hundreds of words to describe the physical symptoms we experience when we get sick. And while they're not always pleasing to talk about, these pesky details can be important signs in spotting the difference between a common cold and influenza (the seasonal "flu").

Is it a wheezing dry cough, or phlegm-filled sneeze? Did you start feeling feverish quickly, or over a few days? Catching symptoms early can help you take the right steps to recover quickly – and protect others from getting sick.

So, how can you tell the difference between flu symptoms and cold symptoms? Here's what you need to know.

Cold vs. flu symptom chart: A side-by-side look at the signs of sickness

Influenza and colds are two contagious viruses that share a lot of the same symptoms. But how you may experience those symptoms and how common they are is usually different. Here's a side-by-side cold and flu symptom chart that gives an overview of the similarities and differences.

cold versus flu symptoms chart

Think you have the flu or a cold? We can diagnose and help you treat it.

Reading the signs: How you can tell the difference between flu and cold symptoms

1. Flu symptoms hit fast

The flu will often surprise you with how quickly symptoms begin, and how serious the illness can become. Classically, the flu starts with a sudden onset of fever, chills, muscles aches, mild headache and fatigue. You may have other symptoms like a runny nose and cough, too. You feel lousy and you feel lousy fast.

How long does the flu last typically? Flu onset usually happens about one to four days after infection, and symptoms typically last five to seven days. However, fatigue can stick around for a few extra days.

A cold, on the other hand, comes on gradually and will last longer. Cold germs are contagious for the first three days. And while your cough and congestion can last up to three weeks, other cold symptoms that last more than a week such as fever, chest discomfort or sinus pain may be a sign of a bacterial or sinus infection.

If you experience long-lasting symptoms, don't ignore them. Talk with a doctor. They can help diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan.

2. Colds don't usually come with a significant fever

While you may be running a little warmer, colds rarely come with a significant fever. And while you can still have the flu without a fever, the flu typically comes with a few days above 100° Fahrenheit.

A flu fever will likely come on fast. This is an especially common flu symptom in kids. Keep an eye on the little ones and the elderly, as they will be more susceptible to complications. Also, keep drinking liquids and get lots of rest.

3. A dry cough screams influenza

While a cough is both a cold symptom and a flu symptom, the type of cough you experience is very different. The flu will cause a dry cough that does not produce mucus. A cough that is caused by a cold often produces phlegm or mucus.

4. Sore throat, sneezing or stuffy nose usually spells a cold

If you have these symptoms, you most likely have a cold. While sneezing or a stuffy nose could accompany the flu, they are more common during a cold.

5. The flu comes with muscle aches

Aches and pains are very common with the flu but rare with a cold. If you're running a fever and experiencing general achiness, it's almost certainly the flu.

6. Extreme fatigue is a telltale sign of the flu

If you're dragging, or feeling extreme fatigue, it's likely from the flu. Sometimes you'll continue feeling run down for a few days even after other flu symptoms stop. On the other hand, a cold will rarely stop you from performing your day-to-day tasks.

We've all had colds and know that you can get a mild fever, achiness or cough with it. But if you feel like you've been hit by a truck, it's more likely that you have the flu.

What about COVID-19? How do symptoms differ from a cold or flu?

Like the common cold and influenza, COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus that causes respiratory symptoms. So, all three illnesses can share many of the same symptoms.

One of the main differences between a cold, the flu and COVID-19 is the type and severity of coughs. Remember, cold coughs usually produce phlegm or mucus. And while both COVID-19 and the flu produce dry coughs, COVID-19 coughs are usually persistent and can leave you short of breath.

If you've already gotten your annual flu shot, it's still possible for you to get the flu. Similarly, if you've already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it's still possible to get the virus – but the chances are very low.

Learn more about the differences between COVID-19 and flu symptoms.

Cold and flu remedies to get you feeling better faster

So, how do you treat the flu at home if you think you have it? What about a cold? How can you start feeling better? Read on.

Start with home remedies for colds and flu

You should stay home if you're sick – especially if you have a fever. Actually, it's always recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away without the use of fever-reducing medications. Here are some steps you can take at home to feel better:

Get plenty of rest.
Drink lots of fluids (focus on water).
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help lower your temperature, and get some headache or muscle ache relief. Warning: Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu, as it comes with a small risk of causing the potentially fatal Reye Syndrome.

Get advice from a nurse

Our care lines make it easy for you to talk directly with a nurse 24/7, 365 days a year. The best part? It's completely free of charge.

Our nurses can help you decide if it's time to see a doctor and give you some additional home remedy advice. To talk with a nurse, you can call the HealthPartners CareLine℠ at 800-551-0859 or the Park Nicollet Nurse Line at 952-993-4665 .

Get treatment and care without leaving the house

Whether you're stuck at home with a fever or you aren't quite ready to leave your house yet, you can still get quality cold and flu treatment online. You can:

Make a video visit appointment for face-to-face care from a doctor or nurse practitioner. With video visits, your doctor will listen to your symptoms, answer questions and work with you to create a tailored treatment plan if needed.

Start a virtual visit anytime, anyplace through Virtuwell. With Virtuwell, no appointment is necessary – and treatment is available 24/7. Getting started is easy. We'll ask you a few questions, and you'll get your diagnosis and treatment plan from a board-certified nurse practitioner. Each visit is just $59 or less, depending on your insurance.

There's no prescription medication that can knock out a cold. But if you have the flu, antiviral medications such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) can help. These fight the flu by keeping viruses from reproducing in your body, and work best when started within 48 hours after symptoms start.

During your video visit or Virtuwell visit, your doctor or clinician will determine whether an antiviral medication should be part of your treatment plan. If needed, they'll write you a prescription and send it to your pharmacy of choice.

Go to the emergency room if serious flu symptoms arise

Colds rarely turn into something more serious. But influenza can have very serious complications. Head to the emergency room if you or your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Flu-like symptoms that improved but then returned worse
Chest pain or pressure
Sudden dizziness or confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

Specifically, for children, go to your nearest emergency room if your child:

Is less than 3 months old and has a fever of above 100.4° Fahrenheit
Is between 3 months old and 3 years old, has a fever of above 100.4° Fahrenheit, and is showing signs of dehydration (e.g. dry eyes or mouth, hasn't urinated in several hours)
Has a fever with rash
Has skin or lips that have turned gray or blue
Is extremely irritable
Isn't eating or drinking
Isn't waking up or interacting with you

Bonus: Get a flu shot to reduce your chances of getting the flu

Vaccines help protect us and those around us from certain diseases by helping our bodies build immunity.

Getting an annual flu shot is easy and it can reduce your chances of getting influenza by up to 60%. And if you do get sick, your flu symptoms will be less severe and you're less likely to need hospital care to recover.

Flu shots are typically available starting in early September, and it's highly recommended that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated by the end of October. Pregnant women – particularly those in their third trimester – should receive a flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Flu shots are safe for pregnant women and have been shown to reduce the risk of influenza in infants during the first months of life.

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is important, too. COVID-19 vaccines are readily available for people ages 12 and up. And data suggest all currently authorized vaccines are effective in preventing illness from COVID-19, with the greatest protection coming against severe illness, hospitalization and death.