What's the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu?

Colds: Colds are short-term viral illnesses of the respiratory tract that cause inflammation in one or more parts of the upper airway with burning, sneezing and malaise — usually without fever. Colds can occur at any time of the year, often at a change of season.

The Flu: Influenza or "the flu" is a more severe cold-like illness, also caused by a virus, generally involving more of the respiratory track than a cold. Usually, a person with the flu will have a moderate to high fever, whole body muscle aches, great fatigue and is prone to lower respiratory infections and other more severe developments. The flu typically occurs in epidemics, usually in late fall and winter.

Date: 2002
Writer: Staff Writer
Contributor: John Hibbs, ND

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