Campus Life

Do I have the flu or is it just a cold?

Fall begins the season for any number of viruses to make their appearance in the campus population. Colds, sore throat and other ailments become more commonplace, which could lead you to wonder if you have contracted the flu or if you simply are a bit under the weather. To help you determine if you may have contracted the flu, University Health Services has provided a guide to the symptoms and ailments that most commonly accompany the flu virus. In general, the flu is more likely to have fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue, and less likely to have predominant symptoms of sneezing and nasal congestion.

In addition, not everyone who has the flu needs to seek medical assistance. To find out more about diagnosing the flu or whether you should contact a doctor, click on the link at the right to access information from University Health Services.

Click on the image above to open a PDF brochure from University Health Services that differentiates flu symptoms from cold symptoms, and offers links for additional information. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated November 18, 2010

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