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

Both cold and flu are caused by viruses. The most common virus causing a cold is the rhinovirus, while influenza viruses cause the flu. Flu viruses can vary between seasons and geographical areas. While colds and the flu share some overlapping symptoms, there are some differences too.

Colds typically last for a shorter time than the flu, with the following symptoms:

• occasional mild fever
• a runny or stuffy nose and congested sinuses
• sore throat
• cough
• sneezing
• occasional headaches
• red, watery eyes
  

Flu is more likely to last longer, with more severe symptoms, including:

• a high fever lasting 3-4 days
• occasional sore throat
• muscle aches and pains, sometimes severe
• early and prominent exhaustion
• fatigue and weakness lasting up to 2-3 weeks
• cough, which can become severe
• prominent headaches