Colds, vomiting, diarrhea (often referred to as "stomach flu") and other viral infections are often confused with the flu but different viruses cause them.
Cold and Flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. For more information about signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you need to get tested, visit the COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) webpage.
Symptoms |
Cold |
Influenza |
Fever |
Rare |
Usual, high fever (39°C/102°F - 40°C/104°F); sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days
Note: The elderly and people who have a weakened immune system might not develop a fever. |
Headache |
Rare |
Usual, can be sudden |
Muscle aches & pains |
Sometimes, generally mild |
Usual, often severe |
Tiredness & weakness |
Sometimes, generally mild |
Usual, severe, might last 2-3 weeks or more |
Extreme fatigue |
Unusual |
Usual, early onset, can be severe |
Runny, stuffy nose |
Common |
Common |
Sneezing |
Common |
Sometimes |
Sore throat |
Common |
Common |
Cough/chest discomfort |
Sometimes, mild to moderate |
Common, can become moderate to severe; cough might last for weeks |
Complications |
Can lead to sinus congestion or infection, and ear aches* |
Can lead to pneumonia, can worsen a current chronic condition, can be life threatening |
* Colds do not generally result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia or bacterial infections.
Note: Children might also experience the croup, ear infections, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when they have influenza – symptoms that are not common in adults.
Please note, these symptoms are subject to change. For the latest on symptoms, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Guidance for the Health Sector webpage (external link).