Answered by SecondMedic Expert
General Physician · General Physician
The common cold and the flu (Influenza) are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. The common cold is usually caused by one of over 100 known types of rhinoviruses, many of which can be airborne. Cold symptoms generally start out as a sore throat, runny nose, or sneezing and usually last only a few days.
In contrast to the common cold, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly and can be more severe in nature. Influenza is caused by any number of various influenza viruses that also spread through contact with other people who have been infected. Symptoms may include fever, chills, body aches & pains (often in joints), headache, fatigue and weakness lasting up to several weeks.
While both conditions are contagious during their active period - it's important to note that you cannot get the flu from the common cold or vice versa; so despite some similarities in their symptoms there is no interchangeability with regards to how they pass from person-to-person. In addition to this - vaccines for each condition exist – however separate vaccinations should be taken for protection against each virus respectively since none provide immunity against both at once!
