Colds and flu tend to strike during the wintertime, when people spend a lot of time indoors together, which accommodates the spread of germs. Both illnesses are caused by viruses, but the flu, also called influenza, tends to be more severe. Cold symptoms are likely to stay in the head and neck. You may sneeze, have a runny nose or nasal congestion and a sore throat. A low fever is also possible, along with a general sense of just not feeling well.
Most colds run their course in a few days.
With the flu, symptoms may move into the chest, with coughing and possible congestion. You'll also have a sore throat and nasal congestion. Fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit for several days is possible. Flu also causes muscle aches and tiredness. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say one way to distinguish the flu is its sudden onset.