COLD VS FLU: HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER?

Let’s rewind to a moment that’s all too familiar: standing in front of your mirror, eyes tired and watery, nose red, your body pulsing with discomfort. You asked yourself, Is it a flu or a cold? 

This isn’t just about sniffles, coughs, or a sore throat; it’s about understanding what your body is trying to tell you. We live in a world that encourages pushing through everything from 9-to-5 stress to late-night deadlines. But in that rush, we often confuse common illnesses like the cold and the flu. 

But don't worry. We’ll explain the key difference between these two infections and list the simplest yet most effective ways to treat them.

Understanding common cold versus flu

The common cold is a viral illness that can affect the nose, throat, sinuses, and airways. Although generally mild, it can still cause significant discomfort, especially as colder weather, drier air, and a lowered immune response can make symptoms feel worse.

Similarly, Influenza, or the flu, is a viral respiratory infection that spreads easily and affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease.

How to know the difference between a cold and the flu

Learn the difference between cold and flu by examining their causes, duration, symptoms, seasons, and treatment.

1. Causes

The common cold is caused by various viruses that irritate the lining of the nose and throat, with over 200 different viruses possibly responsible. However, rhinoviruses are the most common cause of colds.

On the other hand, the flu, also called influenza, is mainly caused by influenza A and B viruses. It spreads through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can also be contracted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

2. Duration

A common cold typically lasts from 7 to 10 days, and most people recover on their own without needing medical treatment during this time.

Similarly, the flu germs typically last between 5 and 7 days in healthy individuals, but how you handle those days can greatly affect your recovery. 

3. Symptoms

The most common cold symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, low-grade fever, watery eyes, mild fatigue, and headache.

The flu symptoms include sudden high fever, body aches, muscle pain, chills and sweats, a dry and persistent cough, fatigue or weakness (which can be severe), sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea (especially in children).

4. Seasons

The fall and winter seasons, which last from late August or early September until around March or April, typically see an increase in common cold cases. This is because colder weather and more time spent indoors make it easier for viruses to spread.

Building on this, viruses that cause the flu spread more actively during specific times of the year, known as the flu season. In the Northern Hemisphere, including the US, Canada, the UK, Pakistan, and China, flu cases typically increase from October to March. In the Southern Hemisphere, including Australia and South Africa, the peak occurs between April and September.

5. Treatment

Multi-symptom treatments are among the best options for managing cold and flu, and related issues, which are very common these days. Combining over-the-counter medications with traditional remedies can help alleviate discomfort and expedite recovery from viral infections.

When dealing with seasonal illnesses like cold and flu, common home remedies can provide effective relief. Staying well-hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and inhaling steam help reduce congestion and support recovery. Warm soups, herbal teas, saltwater gargles, and honey with lemon can soothe a sore throat and offer overall comfort.

For relief from symptoms, use a trusted medicine such as Mucinex^® Multi-Action^™ Congestion Cold & Flu, which will help relieve your cold and flu symptoms in one simple solution^*. With three main key ingredients, including Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, and Acetaminophen, it helps loosen mucus and clear chest congestion, temporarily relieving symptoms of fever, minor aches and pains.

Additionally, if you're seeking a liquid medicine, you can choose Mucinex^® Multi-Action^™ Congestion, Stuffy Nose, & Cough Solution. One of its primary ingredients is Guaifenesin, which helps loosen mucus and makes coughs more productive. It also relieves nasal and chest congestion, sore throat pain, and fever.

^*Temporarily relieves these common cold and flu symptoms: nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, minor aches and pains, sore throat pain and headache. Temporarily reduces fever, promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage, helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive.

FAQs

Can a cold turn into the flu?

No, a cold doesn’t turn into the flu. Although both are respiratory infections, they’re caused by different viruses, so colds are usually linked to rhinoviruses, while influenza viruses cause the flu.

What foods help fight cold and flu symptoms?

Foods high in vitamins C, D, and A, along with minerals like zinc and iron, help strengthen your immune system to fight off colds and flu. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, berries, and bell peppers; iron can be found in red meat, spinach, and lentils; and zinc is present in eggs, beans, nuts, and chicken. Ginger, garlic, and warm teas also help soothe your throat.

Is it advisable to exercise while experiencing cold or flu symptoms?

It’s safe to exercise if your cold symptoms are mild and above the neck, like a runny nose or sore throat. However, if you have a fever, chest tightness, body aches, fatigue, or a deep cough, it's best to rest. For workouts, opt for light activities such as walking or stretching, and avoid intense cardio or heavy lifting until you feel better.

Does reduced sunlight in winter impact the risk of getting a cold versus the flu?

Yes, reduced sunlight during winter can increase the risk of colds and flu by weakening the immune system. For example, less sunlight means lower vitamin D levels, which help fight viruses like the flu. Cold, dry air can also dry out nasal passages, making it easier for infections to spread.

How do stress and lack of sleep affect vulnerability to cold and flu infections?

Both stress and lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to cold and flu infections. Chronic stress gradually weakens the immune system, while poor sleep hampers the body’s ability to produce protective antibodies and cytokines that fight infection, increasing your chances of getting sick.