Cold, Flu, or Allergy? SIGNS
Symptoms
Fever
Cold
Rare
Headache
General Aches, Pains
Fatigue, Weakness
Uncommon
Slight
Sometimes
Extreme Exhaustion
Never
Stuffy, Runny Nose
Sneezing
Sore Throat
Cough
Common
Usual
Common
Common
Chest Discomfort
Mild to moderate
Treatment
Get plenty of rest.
Get plenty of rest.
Stay hydrated. (Drink Stay hydrated.
plenty of fluids.)
Aspirin,
Decongestants
acetaminophen, or
Aspirin,
ibuprofen for aches,
acetaminophen, or
pains, and fever
ibuprofen for aches and Antiviral medicines
pains
(see your doctor)
Wash your hands often. Get the flu vaccine
Avoid allergens, such
Avoid close contact
each year.
as pollen, house dust
with anyone who has a Wash your hands often. mites, mold, pet
cold.
Avoid close contact
dander, cockroaches.
with anyone who has
the flu.
Sinus infection middle Bronchitis, pneumonia; Sinus infection, middle
ear infection, asthma can be life-threatening ear infection, asthma
Prevention
Complications
Flu
Usual, high (100-102
°F), sometimes higher,
especially in young
children); lasts 3-4
days
Common
Usual; often severe
Usual, can last up to 3
weeks
Usual, at the beginning
of the illness
Sometimes
Sometimes
Sometimes
Common, can become
severe
Common
Airborne Allergy
Never
Uncommon
Never
Sometimes
Never
Common
Usual
Sometimes
Sometimes
Rare, except for those
with allergic asthma
Avoid allergens (things
that you’re allergic to)
Antihistamines
Nasal steroids
Decongestants
Cold, Flu, or Allergy? Treatment
Treatment depends on which you have. A health professional can help you choose the best
therapy.
Common Cold



Symptoms last up to 2 weeks
Stuffy, runny nose; sore throat; cough
Treated with rest, fluids, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to ease symptoms
Seasonal Flu



Symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks
High fever (100-102 °F, or higher in youngsters), headache, aches and pains, weakness,
exhaustion, cough, chest discomfort
Treated with rest, fluids, OTC medicines, prescription antiviral drugs
Airborne Allergy



Lasts as long as allergens (such as pollen, pet dander) are present
Stuffy, runny nose; itchy, watery eyes
Treated with antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids