Ask a doctor - What's the difference between cold and flu?

Q. What's the difference between cold and flu?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Let's talk about the difference between a cold and the flu.

First off, both colds and the flu are caused by viruses, but they're caused by different viruses. Colds are usually caused by rhinoviruses, while the flu is caused by influenza viruses.

In terms of symptoms, both can make you feel pretty lousy, but they have some differences.

A cold typically starts gradually with a sore throat, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and maybe a cough. You might feel a bit tired or achy, but it's usually not too severe.

The flu, on the other hand, tends to hit you harder and faster. You might suddenly feel really sick with a high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and a dry cough. The symptoms are often more severe than with a cold.

Another difference is how long they last. Colds usually stick around for about a week or so, while the flu can last longer and make you feel pretty miserable for up to a couple of weeks.

Treatment for both usually involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. But if you have the flu and you're at risk for complications, like if you're elderly or have a weakened immune system, you might need antiviral medication.

So, in a nutshell, while colds and the flu share some similarities, they're caused by different viruses and have some distinct differences in symptoms and severity. But regardless of which one you have, taking care of yourself and getting plenty of rest is key to feeling better.