Notes from the Nurses’ Office
I often get asked the question what is the difference between a cold, the flu or allergies?” I thought this chart below would be helpful
SYMPTOMS ALLERGIES COLD FLU_______
fever none rare high (102-104)
headache none rare frequent
aches & pains none slight usually
may be severe
tired/weak none mild extreme
may last 2-3 weeks
runny/stuffy nose watery common sometimes
nasal discharge thick discharge
sneezing frequent usually sometimes
sore throat sometimes usually sometimes
chest discomfort little or none mild to moderate common
cough begins dry then may be severe
becomes loose
other comes and goes lasts 1-3 weeks lasts 2-3 weeks
eyes usually red eyes not red eyes not red
few swollen glands swollen glands swollen glands
· If you are coughing or sneezing, be sure to cover your mouth with the crook of your elbow
· It is important to WASH YOUR HANDS frequently to prevent the spread of germs
Reminder: Students who have a fever of 100 degrees or higher, vomiting, or diarrhea must be kept home for 24 hours after last episode and must be fever free for 24 hours before returning.
I often get asked the question what is the difference between a cold, the flu or allergies?” I thought this chart below would be helpful
SYMPTOMS ALLERGIES COLD FLU_______
fever none rare high (102-104)
headache none rare frequent
aches & pains none slight usually
may be severe
tired/weak none mild extreme
may last 2-3 weeks
runny/stuffy nose watery common sometimes
nasal discharge thick discharge
sneezing frequent usually sometimes
sore throat sometimes usually sometimes
chest discomfort little or none mild to moderate common
cough begins dry then may be severe
becomes loose
other comes and goes lasts 1-3 weeks lasts 2-3 weeks
eyes usually red eyes not red eyes not red
few swollen glands swollen glands swollen glands
· If you are coughing or sneezing, be sure to cover your mouth with the crook of your elbow
· It is important to WASH YOUR HANDS frequently to prevent the spread of germs
Reminder: Students who have a fever of 100 degrees or higher, vomiting, or diarrhea must be kept home for 24 hours after last episode and must be fever free for 24 hours before returning.