What is the Difference Between Cold and Flu?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The common cold and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. While they share many symptoms, there are key differences in their characteristics:
- Causes: The flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold can be caused by various viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses.
- Symptoms: In general, flu symptoms are more intense and begin more abruptly than cold symptoms. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose, while people with flu are more likely to have fever, body aches, and fatigue.
- Duration: Cold symptoms generally last about a week, while flu symptoms can last from three to seven days or longer.
- Complications: Colds usually do not result in serious health problems, but the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
It can be difficult to differentiate between cold and flu symptoms, as they share many similarities. However, the flu typically causes a sudden onset of symptoms, while cold symptoms tend to develop gradually. Additionally, high fever and body aches are more common with the flu. If you suspect you have the flu, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Comparative Table: Cold vs Flu
The common cold and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses and have distinct symptoms. Here is a table comparing the differences between cold and flu symptoms:
| Symptom | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Sometimes, usually mild | Usual; higher (100-102 F); occasionally higher, especially in young children |
| Headache | Common | Less common |
| Sore Throat | Common | Common |
| Runny/Stuffy Nose | Common | Common |
| Cough | Common | Common |
| Muscle/Body Aches | Mild | Usual |
| Fatigue (Tiredness) | Mild | Usual |
| Shortness of Breath | Rare | Less common |
| Difficulty Breathing | Rare | Rare |
| Severe Chest Pain or Pressure | Rare | Rare |
| Severe Weakness | Rare | Rare |
| Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea | Rare | Rare |
Colds are usually milder than the flu and do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia or hospitalizations. In contrast, the flu can have serious associated complications and typically results in more intense and abrupt symptoms. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, as the similarities between cold and flu symptoms can make it difficult to differentiate between the two based on symptoms alone.
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