Common Flu or Cold
Common Flu or Cold
Overview
Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Flu can have very serious associated complications.
Symptoms
The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems.
| Signs and symptoms | Influenza | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms onset | Abrupt | Gradual |
| Fever | Usual | Rare |
| Aches | Usual | Slight |
| Chills | Fairly Common | Uncommon |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Sometimes | Common |
| Stuffy Nose | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore Throat | Sometimes | Common |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough | Common | Mild to Moderate |
| Headache | Common | Rare |