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Updated Jan 8, 2004
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused
by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like
symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on
symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms
such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common
and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more
likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious
health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
Updated Jan 8, 2004
How can you tell the difference between a
cold and the flu?
Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible)
to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests
that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can be carried
out, when needed to tell if a person has the flu.
Updated Jan 8, 2004
What are the symptoms of the flu versus the
symptoms of a cold?
In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever,
body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds
are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have
a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems,
such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. |
