Let’s spot the difference.
Cold – Colds are very common respiratory illnesses that are usually due to infections with rhinoviruses. Colds are one of the reasons for people missing work or school, with the average adult in the U.S. having more than once each year. Most people will have had many colds from infancy all the way through to later life. Viruses that cause the cold typically enter the body through the nose and sinuses. In response, the nose creates clear mucus to wash the virus away. The symptoms of colds appear gradually and peak within 2 to 3 days. The most common symptoms include:
- a stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- coughing
- mucus dripping down the throat
- watery eyes
Complications are rare, and there is normally no need to visit a doctor. However, people with a weakened immune system and those with asthma or another condition that affects the airways could become seriously ill from a cold. Colds are very common respiratory illnesses that are usually due to infections with rhinoviruses. Colds are one of the most frequent reasons for people missing work or school, with the average adult in the U.S. having more than once each year. Most people will have had many colds from infancy all the way through to later life.
Flu-The flu is a common respiratory illness resulting from an infection with an influenza virus. The flu is less common than colds, but when it does arise, it is more severe and can have serious complications. Flu is feeling feverish or having a temperature of 100°F or above. However, not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
Common symptoms of the flu:
- fever or feeling feverish
- chills
- a cough
- sore throat
- muscle or body aches
- runny or stuffy nose, though this is more common with a cold
- headaches
- fatigue
- vomiting or diarrhoea, especially in children
It is possible to prevent the flu to a certain extent. The seasonal flu shot protects to a significant degree against complications due to influenza A and influenza B, which are the types that usually cause seasonal epidemics.
How to treat cold and flu
Antibiotics do not work against either colds or the flu. Most people who have a cold or the flu will recover within 2 weeks without medical treatment. During this time, they can relieve their symptoms using home remedies.
