Difference Between Cold and Flu | Cold vs Flu
Cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses and have distinct symptoms. Here are some of the key differences between cold and flu:
- Causes: The common cold is caused by different types of viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses, while the flu is caused by influenza viruses.
- Symptoms: The symptoms of a cold typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, and mild body aches. The symptoms of the flu can be more severe and include fever, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, and weakness.
- Onset: The symptoms of a cold usually develop gradually over a few days, while the flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and are more severe.
- Duration: Colds typically last for a few days to a week, while the flu can last for a week or more.
- Complications: The flu can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, older adults, and young children. Colds usually do not cause such serious complications.
- Treatment: There is no cure for either the common cold or the flu, but treatment can help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter cold and flu medications can help alleviate symptoms, and antiviral medications can be prescribed by a doctor to treat the flu.
In summary, cold and flu are two distinct illnesses caused by different viruses with varying symptoms, onset, duration, and potential complications.
Cold vs Flu | Difference Between Cold and Flu
Here is a summary of the main differences between cold and flu in a table:
| Cold | Flu | |
|---|---|---|
| Causes | Caused by various viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses | Caused by influenza viruses |
| Symptoms | Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body aches | Fever, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, weakness, cough |
| Onset | Develops gradually over a few days | Comes on suddenly |
| Duration | Typically lasts for a few days to a week | Can last for a week or more |
| Complications | Generally mild, may lead to sinus or ear infections | Can lead to more serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections |
| Treatment | No cure, but over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms | No cure, but antiviral medications can be prescribed by a doctor to treat the flu |