Cold vs. Flu
Common cold and flu are two common illnesses with the potential to be serious if not intervened early. Here is all about them and tips to stay safe.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
The common cold and the flu are two of the most prevalent illnesses and are often mistaken for one another due to their overlapping symptoms. While both are respiratory illnesses, they are significantly different in terms of severity, causes, and treatment. While the common cold is typically milder, the flu is a more serious condition. Despite their differences, flu and the common cold are frequently misunderstood, which prompts the argument that understanding these two conditions well ensures effective treatment.
Causes and Transmission
Rhinoviruses are the common cause of colds. However, other viruses like respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) can also cause this health condition. These viruses typically enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. The spread of cold viruses occurs through various transmission routes, including:
Hands-to-hand contact with an infected person
Tiny droplets are released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, and talks
Touching contaminated objects like phones, keys, etc. and surfaces like doorknobs and then touching the face
Flu viruses also spread through similar mediums, but they are more adaptable and capable of spreading in even close proximity.
Symptoms Comparison
The following table presents a comparison between the symptoms of flu and common cold –
| Common cold | Flu | Common Symptoms |
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Risk Factors and Populations at Risk
Children are more likely to suffer from the common cold compared to adults owing to their underdeveloped immunity system. Additionally, their close and often unaware contact with other children in schools or daycare centres facilitates the easy spread of viruses. On average, children experience 6 to 10 colds per year. On the other hand, adults with weak immunity systems are also prone to suffering from this health problem.
The high-risk groups for flu include –
Children younger than 2 years old
Adults aged 65 years or more
Asthma patients
Patients with chronic lung disease
People with endocrine disorders
People having neurological and neurodevelopment conditions
Individuals with metabolic disorders
Patients with weakened immune system
People with specific disabilities such as trouble in lung function, muscle function, etc.
Diagnosis Methods
The primary method of diagnosing cold and flu involves clinical evaluation by a healthcare expert. Here, the doctors first check the symptoms to differentiate between the common cold and the flu. After that, the expert will review the patient’s medical history and recent health conditions. To identify respiratory issues, the doctor may also check for signs like throat redness, swollen lymph nodes, or chest sounds. Usually, a clinical test is enough to diagnose the common cold, as its symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting.
On the contrary, doctors may request laboratory tests for the flu when clinical evaluation is not enough to diagnose the condition. It includes –
Molecular tests: These tests help analyse the genetic materials within flu viruses. The common molecular tests are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) tests.
Antigen tests: Antigen tests help analyse the antigens, which are viral proteins. Rapid influenza tests are a significant antigen test example.
Treatment Options
Over-the-counter medicines help reduce numerous cold symptoms. However it's necessary to take advice from a doctor before using any medicine. Some common over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies include –
Cough suppressant for thick mucus and cough: An expectorant like guaifenesin, dextromethorphan or combination medicines.
Drugs for congestion: Phenylephrine, oxymetazoline nasal spray, and pseudoephedrine.
Drugs for pain: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and acetaminophen for mild to moderate pain.
Flu can be treated with the above-mentioned OTC drugs, but there are prescription medications to tackle more serious cases. Here are the options –
Peramivir
Oseltamivir
Baloxavir marboxil
Zanamivir
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Home Care and Remedies
Managing the symptoms of common cold is possible with home remedies, without any medical intervention. Individuals can simply make some lifestyle adjustments and follow a few basic practices to get better without opting for any medication. Here are some notable home remedies for the common cold -
Avoid coffee, sodas with caffeine, and alcohol. Instead, drink plenty of water, such as warm lemon water with honey. Honey can also be taken with tea.
Sipping warm liquids such as tea, apple juice, or chicken soup will be helpful. Warm soups reduce mucus stuffiness and help it flow naturally.
Resting and getting enough sleep is mandatory to keep the immune system healthy.
Using a humidifier or vaporiser to keep the moisture at home can help ease mucus's stuffiness.
These home remedies are helpful for the flu, too. But, some additional suggestions are -
Gargling with salt water: Individuals need ½ tsp of salt within 8 ounces of warm water.
Essential oils: Using oils such as lemon oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, etc., may provide protection against viruses and bacteria.
Increase zinc intake: Studies suggest that zinc might help protect against colds. Thus, eating zinc-rich foods such as nuts, beans, dairy, and lentils will be good.
Inhale steam: Steam therapy or steam inhalation will help to soothe the throat, lungs, and nose.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing colds and flu can be challenging but not impossible. Individuals need to adopt good hygiene practices to combat these two diseases. This includes –
Frequent hand washing
Refrain from touching face and nose
Covering coughs and sneeze
Disinfecting surfaces
Maintaining physical distance
Using hand sanitisers
Besides the hygiene practices, individuals can also opt for vaccination for additional protection. Since there is no vaccine available for the common cold, people can take flu vaccines as they offer protection against the most common and severe strains of the influenza virus. However, it is important to remember that flu viruses mutate and adapt fast, so people need to take the vaccine periodically. It is recommended that they take the vaccine every year.
Potential Complications
If not managed timely, colds can lead to several infections. These include acute bronchitis and ear or sinus infections. The symptoms of such acute conditions will include difficulty breathing, a cough that gets worse, asthma, dehydration, and a high fever that lasts more than four days.
Severe flu-related complications include -
Chest pain
Ear pain
Difficulties of breath
A cough producing blood or thick mucus with a foul smell
A fever staying more than 4 days
Conclusion
Common colds and flu are common respiratory illnesses with overlapping symptoms but have distinct natures. Thus, understanding the fine line between these two conditions in terms of their causes, risk factors, and severity levels is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. While the common cold is typically mild and self-limiting, the flu can lead to serious complications, which also prompts the importance of implementing preventive measures to stop the spread of these viruses in the first place. So, staying informed, vigilant and proactive can help individuals and their families stay healthy and mitigate the impact of these two conditions.
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Dr. Praveen Kumar Mukka
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21 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine
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Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Dr. Hrishikesh Shivakumar
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
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Dr. Rohinipriyanka Reddy
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