What is
the difference between a cold and the flu?
The flu and
the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different
viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it
can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In
general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body
aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are
usually milder than the 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.
How can you tell the
difference between a cold and the flu?
Because
colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to
tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that
usually must be done within the first few days of illness can be carried out,
when needed to tell if a person has the
flu.
What are the symptoms of the flu versus
the symptoms of a cold?
In general, the flu is
worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme
tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder
than the 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.
Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
| Fever | Rare in adults and older children, but can be as
high as 102 degrees F in infants and small children | Usually 102 degrees F, but can go up to 104 and
usually lasts 3 days |
| Headache | Rare | Sudden onset and can be
severe |
| Muscle
aches | Mild | Usual, and
often severe |
Tiredness
and
weakness | Mild | Can last
two or more weeks |
| Extreme
exhaustion | Never | Sudden
onset and can be severe |
| Runny
nose | Often | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Often | Sometimes |
| Sore
throat | Often | Sometimes |
| Cough | Mild hacking cough | Usual, and can be
severe |
Source: Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
