How can you tell a flu from a cold, does one not usually come with the other?

Answer 1

Colds are usually caused by a coronavirus or rhinovirus and flu is caused by an influenza virus. One does not "usually come with the other". Although they are both respiratory viruses and cause respiratory infections, they are unrelated.

Cold Symptoms: Nasal congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, intching in the nose and/or throat, fatigue, fever less than 101 degrees (fever is more common in kids than in adults), a dry or productive cough and headache.

Flu Symptoms: Sudden fever, chills, exhaustion, muscle ache and pains, congestion, severe headache and usually a dry cough.

The primary difference is the severity of the symptoms. Flu symptoms tend to occur suddenly and are more severe. Cold symptoms worsen over a few days, are more likely to include rhinorrhea or stuffy nose, often include a sore throat which flu rarely does and doesn't usually result in serious complications.

Answer 2

The common cold and influenza are very different. Cold symptom include: sore throat, blocked and runny nose and a bit of a cough. You may feel a little run down or depressed but you can keep going with your life.A cold is not fatal. Flu symptoms include: fever, headache, sore throat, blocked and runny nose, cough, aches and pain all through ones body and fatigue. Influenza can be fatal.

The common cold is not very serious you just need to keep warm and eat plenty of healthy food. Taking zinc supplements can also help.

The flu is serious and can be fatal particularly for young children, the elderly and those with underlying medical problems. You should get plenty of rest, take some aspirin to help with the pain and to bring down your temperature, but you really should see your doctor as you may need antibiotics.

Answer 3

As far as I am concerned, they are both the same thing. Both can kill you. Usually, a cold settles in the head (stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, etc.) while the flu settles in the chest (supposedly if it is the "stomach" it is not the flu). No, the one does not come from the other; however, once one is sick from any of these illnesses, it is easier to get the other.

Answer 4

Flu comes with fever and weakness, usually without running nose.
Cold comes with running nose, or a little cough, without fever.