Difference Between Cold and Flu

With the change in seasons, cough and cold visit every house at least once. One day you are perfectly fine and the next morning you wake up with a sore throat, clogged/runny nose, (maybe a mild fever too), and a raging headache. How do you decide if it’s a normal cold or flu?

Generally, our first diagnosis is to declare such symptoms belonging to the common cold. But that might not always be the case. Influenza (generally known as flu) and the common cold are more often than not confused with each other.

Both are caused by viruses that affect our respiratory system and they have overlapping symptoms which sometimes becomes an issue in conducting the correct diagnosis.

This article aims to make clear distinctions between the common cold and the flu so that you can take proper measures when you get affected by either of them.

What is a Common Cold?

As the name suggests, cold is one of the most common illnesses among humans. It is a contagious upper respiratory infection that affects your windpipe, nose, throat, and sinus and is harmless. A cold is caused by more than 200 viruses, but according to Mayo Clinic, it is mainly caused by rhinovirus. Cold symptoms tend to disappear within 5-10 days.

An adult catches a cold at least two or three times a year, while a child may catch it four or more times a year. Generally, you can catch a cold at any time of the year but it is more common in late winter and early spring.

Also Read: Difference Between Active and Passive Immunity

What is the Flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines influenza or flu as a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It affects the throat, nose, and sometimes the lungs of a person.Unlike a common cold, influenza can lead to severe illness which can even lead to death. Your best chance to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Young children under the age of 5, adults above the age of 65, people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, and women up to two weeks after giving birth are some of the people who are at higher risk of suffering from flu complications.

Difference Between Cold and Flu

While both cold and flu are caused by viruses and have many of the same symptoms, their severity is quite different.

A cold usually goes away with an ample amount of rest and a few days’ medications but flu leads to severe illness which can last up to a few weeks.

It can lead to serious health issues such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus or ear infections, and can even turn out to be fatal.

A common cold is usually associated with a scratchy throat, runny nose, coughing and sneezing, body aches, and headache.

The symptoms of flu, on the other hand, are also accompanied by shaking chills, and fever. While an adult rarely suffers from a fever due to a cold, the flu mostly causes fever in addition to the other symptoms of a cold.

Also Read: Difference Between Pandemic and Epidemic

Final Take

The next time you feel your body suffering from any of the above symptoms, first check your temperature. If it is above 101 degrees Fahrenheit then you might need to consult a doctor.

If body aches are accompanied by severe chest pain, do not hesitate to seek medical help. Both cold and flu are curable and nothing to be scared of. With a little attention to hygiene, proper sleep, and diet, you can avoid suffering from either and lead a safe and healthy life.