Influenza vs. Common Cold

Early symptoms

None

1 or more days

Onset

Sudden

Gradual

Fever

101 to 102 degrees F.

Rare in adults

Headache

May be severe

Rare

Muscle pain

Usual, often severe

Mild

Extreme exhaustion

Usual

Never

Tiredness/Weakness

May last more than 2 weeks

Mild

Sore throat

Common

Often

Sneezing

Occasionally

Usual

Runny nose

Occasionally

Usual

Cough

Usual, non-productife

Mild, hacking