Symptom

Cold

H1N1 Flu

Fever

Fever is rare with a cold. 

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. 

Coughing

A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. 

A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough). 

Aches

Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. 

Severe aches and pains are common with the flu. 

Stuffy Nose

Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. 

Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu. 

Chills

Chills are uncommon with a cold. 

60% of people who have the flu experience chills. 

Tiredness

Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. 

Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. 

Sneezing

Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. 

Sneezing is not common with the flu. 

Sudden Symptoms

Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. 

The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. 

Headache

A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. 

A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases. 

Sore Throat

Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. 

Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu. 

Chest Discomfort

Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. 

Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.