GP - Telling the difference between a cold and a flu

Question 1

How do you differentiate a common cold from a flu clinically?

Answer 1

Cold vs Flu

• Less severe symptoms More severe symptoms
• Symptoms appear gradually over 1-2 days Symptoms appear abruptly
• Affects mainly your nose and throat Affects more than just your nose and throat
• Feels unwell, but ok to carry on as normal Feels too unwell to carry on as normal
• Fever and headaches are rare Fever and headaches are common
• Sneezing and runny nose common Sneezing and runny nose less common