Download What Is The common cold? What Is The Flu?

The Common Cold vs The Flu
The common cold and the flu (influenza) can sometimes be confused for one another. Both are caused by viruses
and both have seasons that start in late fall (the common cold also appears in late spring).1 Not to mention,
both can have similar symptoms. Even with these similarities, it’s important to know that the flu is a much more
serious disease with much more serious consequences.2
Here is some general information to help you better understand the differences between the flu and the common
cold. Keep in mind, your doctor is always your best source of information when it comes to the flu.
What is the common cold?
What is the flu?
Though it’s milder than the flu, the common cold
— mostly caused by a virus called the rhinovirus
— is an upper respiratory infection.1,3
The flu is a virus that spreads locally, and can even
spread around the world, in seasonal outbreaks.4,5
Unlike the common cold, the flu may result in as many
as 3000 to 49,000 deaths in the US every year.2
The symptoms of the common cold may include1,3:
The most common symptoms of the flu may include4-6:
• Cough
• Scratchy throat
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
The symptoms of the common cold can last
1−2 weeks after you’re infected.1 If you have
cold symptoms, your doctor will be able to
discuss treatment options with you.1
!
Flu Alert
If you or a loved one has a fever that
doesn’t go away in a few days, or if you’re
experiencing symptoms of the flu, contact
your health care provider immediately.5,6
Brought to you as a public health service by Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
• Fever (usually 101ºF to 102ºF)
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
The symptoms of the flu can last anywhere from
1 to 2 weeks, and sometimes longer, before you begin
to feel better.5,6 If you think you have the flu, call your
health care provider to set up an appointment.5,6
✓
Flu Season Health Tip
Help prevent spreading the flu by covering
your nose and mouth when coughing
— and by washing your hands regularly.7,8
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References
1. Turner RB. The common cold. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s
Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;
2010:809-813.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Estimates of deaths associated with seasonal influenza
— United States, 1976-2007. MMWR. 2010;59(33):1057-1062.
3. Steele RW. Clinical Handbook of Pediatric Infectious Disease. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare
USA, Inc.; 2007.
4. Atkinson W, Wolfe S, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, eds. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable
Diseases (The Pink Book). 12th ed. Washington, DC: Public Health Foundation; 2011.
5. Treanor JJ. Influenza viruses, including avian influenza and swine influenza. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE,
Dolin R, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed.
Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2010:2265-2288.
6. Dolin R. Influenza. In: Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Kasper DL, et al, eds. Harrison’s Principles of Internal
Medicine. 17th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2008:1127-1132.
7. CDC. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations of the ACIP, 2010.
MMWR. 2010;59:1-62.
8. World Health Organization (WHO) Writing Group. Nonpharmaceutical interventions for pandemic influenza,
national and community measures. Emerg Infect Dis. 2006;12(1):88-94.
Brought to you as a public health service by Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
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