What is the difference between having a cold and having the flu

As the cold gets worse, your nose may get stuffy with thicker mucus. You can catch a cold at any time of year, but they are more common in late winter and early spring. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn How this information was developed. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. All rights reserved. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. British Columbia Specific Information Influenza, also called the flu, is an infection of the upper airway caused by an influenza virus.

Top of the page. Topic Overview Influenza flu and the common cold are both types of upper respiratory infections URIs. Flu symptoms Flu symptoms are usually much worse than a cold. Keep an eye on the little ones and the elderly, as they will be more susceptible to complications. Also, keep drinking liquids and get lots of rest. While a cough is both a cold symptom and a flu symptom, the type of cough you experience is very different.

The flu will cause a dry cough that does not produce mucus. A cough that is caused by a cold often produces phlegm or mucus. If you have these symptoms, you most likely have a cold. While sneezing or a stuffy nose could accompany the flu, they are more common during a cold. Aches and pains are very common with the flu but rare with a cold. On the other hand, a cold will rarely stop you from performing your day-to-day tasks.

Like the common cold and influenza, COVID is an illness caused by a virus that causes respiratory symptoms. So, all three illnesses can share many of the same symptoms.

Remember, cold coughs usually produce phlegm or mucus. So, how do you treat the flu at home if you think you have it? What about a cold? How can you start feeling better? Read on. Here are some steps you can take at home to feel better:. The best part? You can:. If there's a fever, it is not high. A child with a cold usually feels quite well, and has a good appetite and normal energy levels.

There is no test for the common cold, and no specific treatment. It just needs to run its course. The flu can also be mild.

Usually, though, kids with the flu feel worse than if they have a cold. They might have a fever that comes on suddenly, with chills, a headache, and body aches. They can have a sore throat, runny nose, and cough. And they feel generally miserable and tired and don't have much of an appetite. Some kids even have belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Most kids with flu get better at home with plenty of liquids, rest, and comfort.

In some cases, a doctor might prescribe an antiviral medicine to ease symptoms and shorten the illness. Some people get very ill and need treatment in the hospital. Many cases of the flu can be prevented by getting a flu vaccine every year.

Kids infected by the coronavirus may not have any symptoms, or their symptoms can be mild, like those of a common cold.