While both Colds and Flu are respiratory illnesses, they can feel quite different. Here's a breakdown of their common symptoms to help you tell them apart:
Cold Symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose: This is a hallmark symptom of most colds. You may experience congestion, sneezing, and a watery discharge from your nose.
- Sore throat: A scratchy or irritated feeling in the throat is another common cold symptom. It may be accompanied by a mild cough.
- Sneezing and coughing: These are natural reflexes to expel irritants from the respiratory system. Cold-related coughs are usually dry and hacking, but may turn productive (with mucus) later.
- Mild fatigue and headache: Colds can zap your energy and leave you feeling achy and run down. However, fatigue and headaches with colds are typically mild compared to the flu.
Flu Symptoms:
- Fever or chills: A sudden rise in body temperature, often accompanied by chills, is a classic sign of the flu. This symptom is less common with colds.
- Muscle aches and body aches: The flu often causes widespread muscle aches and pains, making you feel sore all over.
- Extreme fatigue: Flu exhaustion can be debilitating, making it difficult to concentrate or perform daily activities.
- Respiratory symptoms: A cough (may be productive), sore throat, and congestion can also occur with the flu. However, these symptoms are usually less severe than the overall body aches and fatigue.