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Fever
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Fever is rare with a cold.
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Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
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Coughing
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A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
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A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
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Aches
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Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
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Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
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Stuffy Nose
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Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
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Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
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Chills
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Chills are uncommon with a cold.
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60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
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Tiredness
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Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
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Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
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Sneezing
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Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
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Sneezing is not common with the flu.
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Sudden Symptoms
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Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
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The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
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Headache
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A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
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A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
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Sore Throat
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Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
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Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
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Chest Discomfort
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Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
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Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
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