ILLNESSES WITH SIMILAR SYMPTOMS

Other respiratory illnesses can cause flu-like symptoms such as:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Adenovirus
Para influenza
West Nile Virus
The Common Cold

COLD VERSUS THE FLU
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations¹.

¹Source: www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm.

Flu Facts Prevention Treatment Flu Test Flu Activity Find A Doctor Site Map Help

This website is not providing medical advice. You and your doctor should make all medical decisions.
©Copyright 2004 Quidel Corporation. All rights reserved. Quidel® and QuickVue® are registered trademarks of Quidel Corporation. Privacy Policy