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A bad cold or the flu? Here’s how to tell the difference

CDC says flu on the rise again in Georgia The influenza virus hijacks human cells in the nose and throat to make copies of itself. (Dreamstime)

NEWS CENTER 7’S MOLLY KOWEEK IS FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF 10-YEAR-OLD SABLE GIBSON, WHO DIED FROM FLU AND STREP THROAT COMPLICATIONS. THE LATEST BEGINNING AT 5 ON NEWS CENTER 7

You have a runny nose, a headache and have been feeling tired. Is it a cold, or do you have the flu?

It’s easy for people to mix up symptoms of a cold and the flu. While both typically are a annoying inconvenience, the flu can turn into something more serious. So how do you tell the difference?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared the following symptoms to tell if it’s the flu or a cold:

  • Symptom onset

Cold: Gradual

Flu: Abrupt

  • Fever

Cold: Rare

Flu: Usual (lasts three to four days)

  • Aches

Cold: Slight

Flu: Usual (often severe)

  • Fatigue/Weakness

Cold: Sometimes

Flu: Usual

  • Chills

Cold: Uncommon

Flu: Fairly common

  • Sneezing

Cold: Common

Flu: Sometimes

  • Chest discomfort/Cough

Cold: Mild to moderate (a hacking cough)

Flu: Common (can be severe)

  • Stuffy nose

Cold: Common

Flu: Sometimes

  • Sore throat

Cold: Common

Flu: Sometimes

  • Headache

Cold: Rare

Flu: Common

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