Why can't we get a straight answer on flu vs cold?

Answer 1

If you are asking what is the difference between the two infections, they are caused by different viruses and have slightly different symptoms.

The symptoms of the cold and flu can be hard to differentiate, sometimes not even possible without a specific laboratory test to determine which virus is causing your symptoms.

The primary differences are:

• The flu usually causes a high fever and a cold doesn't cause a fever except in a rare circumstance.
• General aches and pains are usually present with both, but with flu they can be severe, while with a cold they are mild.
• You may feel very fatigued from the flu and this is unusual with a cold.
• Headaches are much more common with the flu than with a cold.
• The usual cold symptoms of stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat are only sometimes seen with the flu.
• A severe cough comes with the flu, but coughs are not as severe with a cold.