Flu and the common cold are both respiratory
illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.
- Flu and the common cold have similar symptoms (e.g. fever, sore throat).
It can be difficult to tell the difference between them.
- Your doctor can give you a flu test within the first few days of your illness to
determine whether you have the flu.
- In general, the flu is worse than the common cold.
- Symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more
common and intense with the flu.
- Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have
a runny or stuffy nose.
- Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia,
bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
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