The Common Cold and the Flu

Abstract

Both the flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses that are caused by different viruses. The flu is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the influenza virus, whereas the common cold is caused by rhinoviruses. Common cold/ acute viral rhinosinusitis is defined as duration of symptoms for less than 10 days. Acute nonviral rhinosinusitis is defined as an increase of symptoms after 5 days or persistent symptoms after 10 days with less than 12 weeks’ duration. Although the symptoms are similar and it is difficult to tell the difference between the common cold and the flu based on symptoms alone, the flu is worse than the common cold. There is usually fever (temperature above 39°C), and symptoms such as headache, body aches, extreme tiredness, sore throat, and dry cough are more common and intense. Symptoms appear suddenly. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.