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Is it a cold or the flu?

Lisa Keller, RN, Health Services

Symptoms Cold Flu Fever Rare Characteristic, high (102-104°F); lasts 3-4 days Headache Rare Prominent General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe Fatigue, Weakness Quite mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks Extreme Exhaustion Never Early and prominent Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes Sneezing Usual Sometimes Sore Throat Common Sometimes Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate; hacking cough Common; can become severe Complications Sinus congestion or earache Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening Prevention None Annual vaccination; amantadine or rimantadine (antiviral drugs) Treatment Only temporary relief of symptoms Amantadine or rimantadine within 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms Return to MMSD Today

Last Updated: Tue Jan 16 10:27:12 2007
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