Colds and the flu look alike, but they are not the same. The main difference is how fast the symptoms appear and how strong they are.
Cold: gradual and milder
It starts slowly over several days. A high fever is uncommon and body aches are rare. Congestion, sneezing, sore throat and cough are the main symptoms.
Flu: comes on fast and hits harder
Symptoms appear 1 to 4 days after infection and usually include fever, muscle and body aches, and intense tiredness.
How long each one lasts
- Cold: 7 to 10 days; cough and congestion can last up to 3 weeks.
- Flu: symptoms usually improve in 5 to 7 days, although it is common to feel run down for another week.
Relieving symptoms
Products formulated for cold and flu symptoms, such as TABCIN NIGHT for nighttime or TESALON for cough and congestion, help you feel better while your body recovers. Always read the label and avoid combining several products that contain acetaminophen.
When to see a doctor
If you have trouble breathing, chest pain or a fever that does not go down, or if symptoms last longer than expected or get worse, see a healthcare professional. The flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia.
