Cold vs Flu Symptoms: Understand the Difference

If you’ve been feeling crummy, with a cough and chest discomfort, you might be dealing with a seasonal ailment like the flu or a cold. While these two nasty infections can seem pretty similar, they are actually distinct illnesses, with different causes and different solutions. If you or a loved one is under the weather, it might be helpful to identify which respiratory issue you’re dealing with. That way, you can attend to the symptoms directly, recover, and move on with your life. As always, talk to your doctor if you have specific questions or concerns about your symptoms.

What is a cold?

The common cold is an infection of the nose, sinuses, throat, and windpipe. A cold is caused by a virus, though the specific virus will vary, as over 200 different viruses are known to cause colds.
Colds are contagious upper respiratory infections that can spread easily, especially within a household, and typically last between 7 and 10 days. Symptoms develop gradually over two or three days, meaning you might not realize you are getting sick at first. While uncomfortable, most colds resolve on their own.

What are the symptoms of the common cold?

Common symptoms include:

• Cough

• Stuffy, runny nose

• Scratchy or sore throat

• Sneezing

• Chest congestion

Other frequent symptoms of a cold include:

• Headache

• Low-grade fever

• Body or muscle aches

• Fatigue

What is the flu?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu can come on quite quickly, within two to three days after coming into contact with a contagious person, and symptoms typically subside within a few days to two weeks. Most people with the flu will get better on their own with proper rest, though occasionally flu can lead to more severe complications.
You are most likely to contract the flu during annual “flu season” which, in the northern hemisphere, runs roughly from October to May. And while flu is highly contagious, you can decrease your chances of getting the flu (or prevent more severe symptoms) by getting a flu vaccine once a year.

What are the symptoms of Influenza?

Symptoms of flu come on pretty quickly, usually within 2-3 days of exposure. Fever and chills are typically the first signs. The most common influenza symptoms include:

• Headache

• Fever

• Chills

• Cough

• Body or muscle aches

• Fatigue

• Chest congestion

Less frequent symptoms of the flu include:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Diarrhea or vomiting

• Sneezing

Similarities between the common cold and the flu

Both colds and flu are upper respiratory infections affecting the nose, sinuses, and throat. Symptoms can be similar, so keep an eye on what’s bothering you most. Still, the two illnesses can present in such similar ways that it may be hard to differentiate without a special test.
Some of the most common symptoms that can present in either flu or cold include aches, fatigue, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, chest discomfort or cough, and sore throat. Both illnesses are contagious through contact with a person carrying the virus.

Difference between the common cold and the flu

One major difference is the onset of symptoms; while colds can come on gradually over the course of days, flu usually comes on abruptly.
Additionally, consider the difference between flu vs cold symptoms. You’re more likely to develop fever and body chills with flu than with a common cold.
When it comes down to influenza vs cold, symptoms of cold are usually milder than symptoms of flu, though cases vary. Moreover, colds do not generally result in serious health problems. Flu, on the other hand, can lead to severe illness for people with underlying health conditions like asthma, a history of heart disease, and diabetes.

Cold vs Flu Symptom Comparison Chart

The above chart is a general outline; each case varies as both cold and flu are caused by a wide variety of viruses.

How to treat the flu or a common cold

The good news is most cases of both flu and common cold resolve on their own over the course of two weeks. Basic steps to ensure a quick recovery include plenty of rest and staying hydrated by drinking lots of fluids like water, tea, or electrolyte beverages.
If symptoms are not improving, speak with a doctor who can guide you toward treatment options. In most cases, treatment involves addressing symptoms and making yourself comfortable as your immune system fights the virus.

What can you do to relieve the peskiest of flu or cold symptoms? Consider the following steps:

• Bye, bye dry: Use a humidifier to keep the air moist and ease throat and nose discomfort.

• A soothing sip: Warm liquids like tea and chicken soup can help soothe a sore, scratchy throat, and keep you hydrated.

• Keep it clean: Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading infection. Consider separating yourself from others during the worst of your illness and wearing a mask in public to reduce spread.

• Dose up: Many over-the-counter medicines can help relieve symptoms. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and relieve headache and body aches. You can also use Tadheen Cold and Flu ointment by applying it to your chest and throat area to help soothe cough, congestion, and promote easier breathing during cold and flu symptoms.

When to talk to the doctor

Most cases of cold and flu resolve without the need to see a doctor. However, if you have an underlying condition that could lead to more severe complications, reach out to a doctor at the earliest signs.
If you experience emergency symptoms, get medical care immediately. Emergency symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest pain or pressure

• Ongoing dizziness

• Hard to wake up or confusion

• Dehydration

• Seizures

• Worsening of existing medical conditions

• Severe weakness or muscle pain

In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to shorten illness and reduce the risk of severe complications.

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