While both flu and pneumonia can cause fever, cough, and fatigue, pneumonia is characterized by a more severe, persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and potentially a productive cough with yellow or green phlegm. Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly and may include body aches, headache, and a dry cough, whereas pneumonia symptoms tend to develop more gradually.
How To Tell Difference Between Flu And Pneumonia?
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Recommended Reading: Can Urgent Care Tell Me If I Have Pneumonia?
Flu
- Onset: Usually sudden and severe.
- Symptoms:
- Fever (often high).
- Dry, hacking cough.
- Body aches and pains.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Sore throat and stuffy or runny nose are common.
- Cough: Dry, hacking.
- Chest pain: Less common than with pneumonia.
- Shortness of breath: Less common than with pneumonia unless it progresses to pneumonia.
- Duration: Typically lasts 1-2 weeks.
- Complications: Pneumonia can develop as a complication of the flu.
Pneumonia
- Onset: Usually develops more gradually.
- Symptoms:
- Fever (may be high).
- Persistent cough (may be productive, with yellow, green, or bloody phlegm).
- Chest pain (sharp or stabbing, worse with breathing or coughing).
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue and loss of appetite.
- Quick heartbeat and breathing.
- Cough: Moist cough, may produce rust-colored sputum or pus.
- Chest pain: Common, especially when breathing deeply or coughing.
- Shortness of breath: A common symptom.
- Duration: Symptoms may persist for several weeks or months.
- Complications: Can be serious, especially in infants, the elderly, or those with chronic illnesses.
Difference Between Flu And Pneumonia
- Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- Flu is a viral infection caused by influenza viruses.
- Pneumonia can be a complication of the flu, and both conditions can share some symptoms, making it difficult to tell them apart without a proper diagnosis.
- If you are concerned about your symptoms, it is always best to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
In Summary
- Flu: Sudden onset, body aches, headache, dry cough, fatigue.
- Pneumonia: Gradual onset, persistent cough (may produce phlegm), chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue.
A chest X-ray is often used to diagnose pneumonia, and a blood test can help determine if the infection is bacterial or viral.
