The Differences in Colds vs. Flu
You’re not feeling well. You have some congestion, some aches, and maybe a headache or fever. So, what might it be? Many wonders, do I have a cold or is it the flu?
Although both illnesses can present with common symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, and fever, there are several differences between the two infections. While the common cold is usually milder and occurs more often, cases of the flu (influenza) tend to be more severe and may require medical attention. Influenza can lead to serious medical complications, including pneumonia and bronchitis.
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 35 million people were affected by influenza during the 2018-2019 season, resulting in thousands of deaths. It is important to recognize that although cold and flu may present similar signs, they are caused by different viruses and have varying levels of severity.
