Recognising the symptoms can help you spot the differences! Here's how the common cold and influenza (flu) differ, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you have cold, symptoms usually develop slowly over a few days. In flu, symptoms strike suddenly and intensely, often catching you off guard.
A fever is rare with a common cold, but fever is a hallmark of the flu and can last 3-4 days, often accompanied by chills and sweating.
Any aches or pains tend to be mild and manageable with a cold. But the flu brings common and often severe body aches, making movement uncomfortable.
Experiencing chills is uncommon with a cold. But chills are fairly common with the flu and often accompany fever.
Fatigue is possible in cold but usually mild and temporary. In case of flu, fatigue is a usual and pronounced symptom, sometimes lingering even after recovery.
Sneezing is a common symptom of a cold and can occur frequently. With flu, sneezing is less common but can still happen occasionally.
A mild to moderate hacking cough is typical of a cold, often without significant chest discomfort. The flu frequently causes a more severe cough with noticeable chest discomfort.
A stuffy or runny nose is common with a cold, making it a hallmark symptom. It occurs less often with the flu but may still be present in some cases.
A sore throat is common with a cold and is often one of the first symptoms to appear. With the flu, a sore throat can occur but is less typical compared to other symptoms.
Headaches are rare with a cold and usually not a primary concern, but headaches are common with the flu and can range from mild to severe, often accompanying fever.