Because both are viral infections, they cannot be treated by antibiotics. As the chart shows, there's little difference between the symptoms of a cold and flu. A person can have all the symptoms of both conditions with either a cold or the flu.
Severe symptoms are more likely with flu.
The best course of action, except for complications such as pneumonia or ear infections, is to treat the symptoms and reduce discomfort. Cough is severe or lasts more than 10 days. Mucus or sputum is thick, smelly, or green or rust-colored. Fever stays at 102 degrees F for three days. You have a history of severe heart or lung disease.