What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Colds and the flu are both respiratory infections caused by viruses, but the flu is usually more severe. Flu often starts suddenly with fever, body aches and exhaustion, while colds come on gradually with a runny nose and sneezing.
Colds are caused by many viruses, most often rhinoviruses. Symptoms usually include a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and a mild cough. Most people recover in about a week. Fever is uncommon in adults with colds.
The flu is caused by influenza viruses. It tends to come on suddenly, with high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, tiredness and a dry cough. It can last one to two weeks and sometimes leads to serious complications like pneumonia, especially in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses.
Prevention and treatment
A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. There is no vaccine for the common cold. Washing hands, covering coughs and staying home when sick help prevent both. Antibiotics do not work against either, but antiviral medicines can help with the flu if started early.
Did You Know?
Cold viruses spread more easily in cooler months, partly because people spend more time indoors together.
This answer is general information, not medical advice. For a personal health question, talk to a doctor.