Both a cold and the flu attack the respiratory system, according to Mayoclinic.com. The cold is generally harmless, but it can make you feel miserable with a sore throat, persistent cough and a runny nose. The flu generally goes away on its own after a few days to a week if you are otherwise healthy. People with compromised immune systems, very young children and the elderly should get a flu shot before flu season begins each year. There currently isn't a vaccination for the common cold.
Fever and Chills
According to Mayoclinic.com, the common cold and the flu can cause a fever up to 102 F, but a fever that high is uncommon with a cold. If the fever goes higher or lasts more than three days, you should see a doctor, in case the cold or flu has developed into a more serious condition. Colds rarely cause chills but, according to Tamiflu.com, more than half of flu sufferers experience chills.
Sore Throat
Most of the time a cold starts with a sore throat that may linger for a couple of days before other symptoms appear. Occasionally, the sore throat goes away when the coughing and sneezing appear, but it may last throughout the duration of the cold. The flu rarely causes a sore throat, according to Tamiflu.com.
Coughing and Sneezing
Colds often come with productive coughing and sneezing. The flu often causes a nonproductive or dry cough, but it rarely causes sneezing, according to Tamiflu.com.
Fatigue and Aching
People suffering from colds and flu often suffer from fatigue and aching bodies. Colds may cause mild fatigue, and the flu can produce medium or severe fatigue. Aching caused by a cold is typically mild, but the flu can bring on more severe pain from head to toe. Few people experience headaches with colds, but according to Tamiflu.com, approximately 80 percent of flu sufferers suffer from headaches. Pain in the chest is generally mild when you have a cold, but it can be severe with the flu.
Stuffy Nose
A stuffy nose is often present for about a week with a cold. The flu may cause some nasal congestion, according to Mayoclinic.com.
Loss of Appetite
Many people who have the flu lose their appetites. Unless a fever is present, most cold sufferers don't have this problem.
Complications of a Cold
Colds and the flu can develop complications that need medical attention. If you have a cold with a fever of 102 F or higher, yellow or green phlegm, swollen glands and sinus pain, see your doctor. Children should see their doctors if colds cause their fever to last longer than three days, experience abdominal discomfort, have ear pain or a cough that lasts longer than a week.
Complications of the Flu
Mayoclinic.com recommends seeing your doctor if you have a compromised immune system and get the flu. You should also seek medical attention of you have a cough that produces discolored phlegm, a fever over 102 F or pain from breathing, which can be a symptom of pneumonia. Other complications may include sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections and encephalitis.
