According to the Centers for Disease Control, many illnesses begin with influenza (flu)-like symptoms, which include fever, tiredness, and a dry cough. And most are not caused by flu — or by anthrax. Because these symptoms can be caused by many diseases, it can be difficult to tell what caused you to become sick.
| Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
Inhalation Anthrax |
Fever at or above 100oF |
Uncommon in adults and older children. |
Usual and can last 3 to 4 days. |
Usual. |
| Headache |
Usual. |
Usual with sudden onset, and can be severe. |
Sometimes. |
| Muscle Aches |
Mild. |
Usual, and often severe. |
Sometimes. |
| Tiredness and Exhaustion |
Mild. |
Usual with sudden onset, can be severe, and can last 2 or more weeks. |
Usual. |
| Runny Nose |
Usual. |
Usual. |
Rare. |
| Cough |
Usual. |
Usual, and can become severe |
Usual. |
| Chest Discomfort |
Uncommon. |
Uncommon. |
Usual. |
| Vomiting |
Uncommon. |
Uncommon in adults but more likely in very young children. |
Usual. |
Your best protection against the flu is an annual flu shot. You should especially get this protection if you are 65 years old or older, or have certain medical conditions that put you at high risk of flu-related complications. The flu shot can prevent illness caused by influenza but cannot prevent flu-like illness caused by other diseases.
| Illness |
Cold |
Flu |
Inhalation Anthrax |
What is it?
|
Respiratory (breathing) illness caused by viruses. |
Respiratory (breathing) illness caused by influenza viruses. |
Respiratory (breathing) illness caused by anthrax bacteria. |
Treatment
|
Treat symptoms.
Does not respond to antibiotics. |
Antiviral flu medicines started in the first 2 days of illness can reduce the severity and duration of influenza illness. |
Antibiotics are recommended. |
Vaccine
|
None. |
Annual flu shots can reduce your risk of getting the flu. |
Vaccine recommended only for military personnel and certain other groups who's jobs (e.g., laboratory workers) put them at risk. |
Transmission
|
Easily spread from person to person when an infected person touches someone else or sneezes or coughs. |
Easily spread from person to person when an infected person sneezes or coughs. |
Cannot be spread from person to person. |
|
Table information derived from the MMWR article: Notice to Readers: Considerations for Distinguishing Influenza-Like Illness from Inhalational Anthrax; 50(44): 986-6.
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