| Signs and Symptoms | Flu | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden | Gradual |
| Fever | Characteristic; high (over 101 degrees F); lasting 3 to 4 days | Rare |
| Cough | Dry; can become severe | Hacking |
| Headache | Prominent | Rare |
| Myalgia (muscle aches and pains) |
Usual; often severe | Slight |
| Tiredness and weakness | Can last up to 2 to 3 weeks | Very mild |
| Extreme exhaustion | Early and prominent | Never |
| Chest discomfort | Common | Mild to moderate |
| Stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Usual |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common |
Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. For patients 18 years and older.
