What often differentiates the two is the intensity of the symptoms. With the flu, you often experience more intense fatigue, more prolonged congestion and, in addition, deep aches. Your fever may be higher. Colds are inflammations of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus. B. It affects your nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs.
Viruses are contagious.
Unfortunately, there is no quick cure for a cold or the flu. It just has to run its course. Either can last from a few days to more than a week. There are some ways, however, to reduce your likelihood of catching a virus, or lessen the symptoms once you have one, says Dr. Chappell. And I usually recommend that those who work or reside in healthcare facilities get a flu vaccine yearly.