Common cold
The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by more than 200 different viruses. It usually develops gradually, starting with a sore throat, a stuffy nose, a hoarse voice and a dry cough. Fever and headaches are uncommon. A cold usually clears up on its own within a few days.
Flu
Flu is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses of types A, B and C. It affects the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms develop suddenly and include a high temperature of 39°C or above, headache, severe muscle and joint pain, a dry, persistent cough and eye inflammation. The condition usually improves after 3 to 4 days, although symptoms may persist for up to 3 weeks after the onset of the illness.
Differences between cold and flu symptoms
During seasonal transitions and the winter months, colds and flu are common. The table below shows the differences in symptoms between the two illnesses.
| Symptoms | Common cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Body temperature | Slightly elevated | High (lasting 3 to 4 days) |
| Headache | Mild | Severe |
| Muscle and joint pain | Mild | Severe |
| General feeling of illness | Mild | Lasts 1 to 3 weeks |
| Fatigue | Mild | Severe |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Rare |
| Sneezing | Common | Rare |
| Sore throat | Common | Rare |
| Chest discomfort and cough | Mild, dry cough | Common, severe cough |