The common cold and influenza are both caused by viruses. However, the symptoms vary, as does its progress. This article looks at the signs of cold vs. flu to understand the difference between these two respiratory infections .

The common cold
Before looking at the signs of cold vs. flu it is important to know more about the two infections. The common cold is caused by a virus and is milder in nature. It leads to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, cough, and sometimes fever.

A runny nose at the start of a cold may develop into thick mucus causing blockage, leading to difficulty in breathing. A cold usually goes away within a few days.

Influenza
Influenza or the flu is stronger than a common cold. Some of the symptoms of a flu include fever, headache, cough, body ache, sore throat, and tiredness. In certain cases, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

A flu happens suddenly and can last for a long time. As it is caused by a virus, antibiotics and other medicines don’t work. The symptoms may be treated through antiviral medicines, but in all cases, rest and hydration are the number one courses of treatment.

Differences between cold and flu
The differences between a cold and the flu can be summed up as follows:

• Fever is generally high if you have a flu and lasts for a few days. For colds, fever is absent or is mild.
• Sneezing is common if you have the cold; sneezing is not so common in the flu.
• Headaches are a common symptom of the flu but not so common if you have the cold.
• Body ache, muscle pain, and a general feeling of malaise are very common if you have the flu. A cold very rarely leads to body ache and only slight pain may be felt.
• A stuffy nose is common in a cold and happens sometimes with the flu.
• A sore throat may occur in both the cold and flu.
• Fatigue and a feeling of weakness can happen in both the cold and the flu. However, it would be severe with the flu and would last for a long time.
• Cough and discomfort in the chest are mild if you have the cold. With the flu, there can be severe chest congestion and cough.
• An untreated cold can lead to sinus infections and ear infection. Flu, if untreated, can lead to serious complications like bronchitis and pneumonia and can even be fatal.
• The symptoms of the cold occur gradually and may start with a feeling of discomfort or a runny nose. In case of the flu, the symptoms occur suddenly.
• The cold’s symptoms resolve within a week, whereas symptoms of the flu take more time.
• Both the cold and flu can be treated through pain relievers, decongestants and antipyretic medicines. Flu may also need antiviral drugs and cough medication.

Keep the signs of cold vs. flu listed out in this article in mind, so the next time you suspect you are coming down with either of them, it is easier to seek the right treatment.