Both the common cold and the flu, that is, influenza, are caused by viruses. However, the virus responsible for them is different. Yet, the two have a lot of similar symptoms. So, what are the signs of cold versus flu that might help you, or your medical health provider, ascertain which one of these conditions you are currently experiencing?

In this article, we’ll discuss some similarities and differences between the two.

Overview
The two most common illnesses experienced by people are influenza and cold. Anywhere between 5% and 20% of people in the country develop the symptoms of the flu and cold every year. One difference between the two is that the symptoms and the signs of cold vs. flu are fairly less severe. Flu is often characterized by a very high temperature. On average, adults experience about two to three colds in a year.

Signs of cold versus flu

• Fever: In a cold, fever is mostly mild; whereas, in the flu, it is usually on the higher side. Furthermore, flu fever lasts for up to three to four days.

• Headache: When a person suffers from a flu, headache is common; while in a cold, a headache happens only occasionally.

• General pains or aches: The body ache experienced during the flu is severe, while that experienced during a cold may or not occur.

• Weakness or fatigue: At times, a person suffering from the common cold will feel a little frail or weak; while in the flu, weakness is common and lasts for about three weeks.

• Exhaustion: People never feel exhausted because of the cold, while exhaustion is a common and an initial symptom of the flu.

• Stuffy nose and sneezing: You’ll have constant sneezing and a stuffy nose in a cold, while this is only a rare symptom of the flu.

• Sore throat: A sore throat is common in a cold, but it is an occasional symptom of the flu.

• Vomiting: In a cold, vomiting is not common, while it might be present in the case of the flu.

• Discomfort in chest and congestion: In a cold, you’ll experience a hacking cough and a moderate discomfort in the chest; while in the flu, the congestion and chest pains can be severe.

• Complications: In a cold, common complications include sinus, ear infection, and congestion. On the other hand, flu has severe symptoms like ear infection, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Though cold is not life-threatening, flu can be deadly.

Prevention
Both cold and flu are communicable diseases. Thus, you should wash hands and avoid contact with anyone who has symptoms of cold or flu. Additionally, you must get vaccinated for the flu on an annual basis.

Treatment
Certain treatments like decongestants, fever reducers, and pain relievers are common for both the flu and cold. These medications are available over-the-counter. However, they shouldn’t be taken by children. In severe flu cases, antiviral drugs might be prescribed.

Though all of these listed differences between cold and flu hold, sometimes it gets impossible for the doctor to distinguish between a cold and the flu. In that case, some special tests might be necessary.