Cold Vs Flu: What's the difference?

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It can be difficult to tell if you have caught the flu or if you have a cold. Here is a guide to the symptoms of colds and flu.

It's the flu season and you've been touched. Under the mist of congestion, you pray to the gods of breathing that it be a cold and not the flu. No need to conquer the disease blindly, waiting to see if it becomes serious. Here's everything you need to know about colds and flu. (Related: Influenza Symptoms Everyone should be aware of the approach of flu season)

If you are struggling to tell the difference between a cold and flu, it's probably because their symptoms may overlap. "Influenza appears on the" differential diagnosis "of many conditions affecting patients during the winter months, including colds and upper and lower respiratory tract infections," said Norman Moore, Ph.D. Director of Scientific Affairs, Infectious Diseases at Abbott. In other words, they share similar signs and symptoms.

That said, if you have searched in a box of tissues, this could be a sign that you have a cold rather than the flu. Shivers, on the other hand, may suggest that it is flu. "Sneezing, stuffy nose and sore throat tend to be more common with colds, while chills, fever, and fatigue are more common in people with the flu," says Moore. (Related: When is the flu season?)

The difference between cold and flu symptoms is not obvious, says Gustavo Ferrer, MD, founder of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Cough Clinic. But the duration of your illness may be another distinguishing factor. "The cold is caused by a virus just like the flu," said Dr. Ferrer. "Usually, the cold symptoms are less severe than those of the flu and it lasts longer." Colds usually do not last more than 10 days. The flu can be about the same length, but in some people, the effects of the flu can last for weeks, according to the CDC.

Instead of waiting 10 days, Dr. Moore recommends looking for a diagnosis early in your illness so you can start treatment sooner if you have the flu. You can go to the doctor's office or clinic for a diagnosis. Sometimes doctors suggest taking a flu test for more certainty.

From there, you can be treated accordingly. There is no cure for colds, but over-the-counter solutions can cure the symptoms. When it's flu, in more severe or high-risk cases, doctors often prescribe antiviral drugs. (Related: Can you get the flu twice in a season?)

In summary, influenza shares common cold symptoms, but is more likely to cause severe symptoms, to last longer, or to cause serious complications. But no matter what infectious disease you've come to, one thing is certain: it's not going to be fun.

Gallery: 15 Simple Ways to Fight Colds and Flu (provided by Cheapism)