How can you tell the difference between a cold and flu?

How can you tell the difference between a cold and flu?

It can be hard to tell whether you have a cold or flu, since many of the symptoms are the same. Both are widespread during the colder months and affect the upper respiratory system (nose, throat and trachea). But different viruses cause cold and flu. The flu comes from the influenza virus, while many other types of viruses cause colds.

The main difference between cold and flu is that you’re more likely to have a fever and chills with flu. Adults don’t usually get a fever with a common cold, although kids sometimes do.

The flu also causes body aches and more severe symptoms than a cold. Although both the cold and flu can lead to complications, flu complications can be life-threatening.