Common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. It can be challenging to compare the two, as both cold and flu cause symptoms such as cough, which is caused by similar viruses. However, the flu (influenza) is worse than the common cold, and the symptoms are more intense. This article discusses the difference between the illnesses and how they can be treated to get relief from the symptoms.

Following pointers can help differentiate between cold and flu:

• Symptom onset

People suffering from cold will experience a gradual onset, which means the patient will suffer from unnoticeable symptoms in the beginning, which will worsen with every passing day. People suffering from the flu (influenza) will experience an abrupt onset of symptoms.

• Fever

This is one of the most common differentiators between the cold and flu. A patient suffering from cold rarely develops a fever, but people suffering from influenza can develop a 102-degree-Fahrenheit fever.

• Aches

Patients suffering from cold may experience slight muscle aches. However, this is yet another one of the most common symptoms of the flu. Since the flu decreases the body’s immunity, the person suffers such symptoms.

• Chills

This symptom is accompanied by fever and is rarely seen in patients suffering from the common cold, whereas it is a common symptom in patients with the flu.

• Fatigue and weakness

The common cold does not lower the body’s immunity to the extent that a person suffers from fatigue and weakness. However, this symptom could be expected in cases of the flu.

• Sneezing

This is yet another symptom that is not unusual in the common cold but rarely seen in the flu.

• Chest discomfort and cough

Both cold and the flu have a common symptom—cough, as similar viruses cause them. However, it might be more severe in the case of the flu because of lowered immunity.

• Stuffy nose

The symptom is usual in the common cold because of the formation of phlegm in the nasal tract. Stuffy noses are uncommon in the flu.

• Sore throat

The formation of phlegm causes sore throat, which is an actual symptom of the common cold but is also rarely experienced in the flu.

• Headache

This symptom is rare when you have a cold. However, headache is usually accompanied by fever and chills in patients suffering from the flu. These symptoms are because of the reduction of lymphocytes or WBCs (white blood cells), as they have been fighting the infection.

It is essential to be aware of each condition’s symptoms so that one can distinguish one disease from another, aiding appropriate treatment. Self-medication is not recommended, as it can worsen the illness. Hence, a doctor’s intervention is necessary; this becomes imperative in the wake of an epidemic or a pandemic, as both the flu and cold are contagious and not easily distinguishable without the help of a doctor.