What's the difference between the flu and a cold?

Many people call all winter illnesses "the flu" (influenza). However, there are differences between a cold and the flu. The common cold is caused by over 200 types of viruses, specifically rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Starting two to three days after an infection with nose congestion, swelling in the sinuses, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache and mild fever, colds usually creep up on you. These symptoms can last a couple of days to more than two weeks (most people recover in one week). The average adult gets two to four colds a year. The flu is caused by influenza A and B viruses. The symptoms usually start suddenly with a headache, dry cough, fever/chills, muscle aches and a "knocked off your feet" feeling. The fever goes away after two to three days and then a sore throat and nasal congestion can start. The tired and weak feelings can last from days to weeks. How are colds and flus spread? Colds and flus are viral infections, spread from one person to another by a kiss, a ...  more

Flu and Cold The difference between influenza and the common cold The difference between influenza and the common cold Both influenza and the common cold are viral respiratory infections (they affect the nose, throat, and lungs). Viruses are spread from person to person through airborne droplets that are sneezed out or coughed up by an infected person. In some cases, the viruses can be spread when a person touches an infected surface (e.g., doorknobs, countertops, telephones) and then touches his or her nose, mouth, or eyes. As such, these illnesses are most easily spread in crowded conditions such as schools. Influenza is commonly referred to as "the flu." Between October and March each year, between 10% and 40% of people are stricken with influenza.  more

the flu is a virus and a cold is caused by bacteria  more

The flu is a virus and you experience fever (feeling hot and cold and shaking), you have aches and pains in your joints, you tend to have a sore throat, cough (usually chesty), and a headache. A cold usually consists of a runny nose, headache, cough, and sometimes other symptoms but not usually fever. It's not bacterial so it won't respond to antibiotics...unfortunately. There's not much you can do for a cold. For the flu, you can take a drug Tamiflu if you start the course within 48 hours of the symptoms. You need to go to a doctor for the script. You can't take antibiotics for the flu as it is viral: not bacterial. Edit: check out the answers to the following question for some more information on the flu in particular: <a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhsnAnHX4t8Z9rv_CidSz8XgxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080908185123AAQunUb">http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...  more

Both the flu and a cold are viral infections and can cause symptoms such as coughing and sore throat. A cold is a minor viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu, is usually more severe with higher fevers, aches and pains.

Both the flu and a cold are viral infections and can cause symptoms such as coughing and sore throat. A cold is a minor viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu, however, is usually more severe, with higher fevers and the addition of aches and pains.

When you have the cold, it is not very important as the flu, because the flu is more infectious than a cold.  more

Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is an illness caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza (flu) infection often causes a more severe illness with a mortality rate (death rate) of about 0.1% of people who are infected with the virus.  more

A cold is when the weather is very chilly and wind goes up your bum bum. A flu is what a whoel buncha birds did mon.  more

The difference is in the number of days you can take off from work.  more