Cold Symptoms Vs Flu Symptoms

What are cold symptoms vs flu symptoms? Both illnesses have many similarities and are essentially the same thing, viral infections of the respiratory tract. Cold symptoms are not as severe as flu symptoms, which are specifically caused by the influenza A or B viruses. There are over one hundred viruses that can cause the common cold. Having a cold is not dangerous, while the flu can potentially be more serious. How do you know if you have one illness or the other? Learn how to recognize cold symptoms vs flu symptoms.  

1. Congestion While a runny, stuffy nose and some coughing are common flu symptoms, congestion-related problems are the primary symptoms of the common cold. In fact, sometimes they are the only symptoms. Also, if there is a lot of congestion in the lungs it is possible that your cold is a bacterial rather than viral infection.
2. General malaise Felling tired and generally unwell are symptoms of the cold as well as the flu. With influenza however the fatigue will be much more intense. If you have a cold you can probably still make it through the day. With the flu you are going to have trouble getting out of bed.
3. Fever When comparing cold symptoms to flu symptoms, one distinct difference is the presence of a fever. If you only have the common cold, you are probably not going to experience an increase in body temperature.
4. Vomiting and diarrhea Some people who have the flu may have to deal with the nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, although not everyone will. There are not cold symptoms.
5. Chills and body aches With a common cold, symptoms revolve around the respiratory system, affecting the lungs, throat and nasal passageway. Chills, headaches and body aches are common characteristics of the flu.