Get Tough! Fight the Flu! Is it a Cold or the Flu? Symptoms Cold Flu Fever Rare in adults, but can be as high as Usually 102°F can go to 102°F in infants and small children 104°F, lasts 3-4 days Headache Rare Can be severe General Aches, Pains Mild Usual; often severe Fatigue, Weakness Mild Can last up to 2-3 weeks Extreme Exhaustion Never Sudden onset, can be severe Stuffy Nose Often Sometimes Sneezing Often Sometimes Sore Throat Common Sometimes Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate; hacking cough Usual; can become severe Complications Sinus congestion or earache Bronchitis, pneumonia; Can be life-threatening