What’s the difference between a cold and a flu? Here’s all you need to know

Experts say “localising” symptoms are the first clues to the underlying cause of the infection.

Flu infections are increasing in India and Sri Lanka, with the main viruses causing infection are influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus followed by influenza B virus, said the World Health Organisation.

But with adenoviruses and coronavirues that cause the cold -- the most common disease in humans – also running rampant, it’s tough to tell the two infections apart.

Both viruses cause symptoms of cough, cold, bodyache and fever that usually last for five days to a week and are passed from person to person by droplets from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces, such as door handles and tabletops.

Experts say “localising” symptoms are the first clues to the underlying cause of the infection.

Here’s how to tell the difference.

Symptoms	Seasonal flu	Cold
Onset	Abrupt	Gradual
Fever	Usual; lasts 4-5 days	Rare
Aches	Usual; often severe	Slight
Chills	Fairly common	Uncommon
Fatigue	Usual	Sometimes
Sneezing	Sometimes	Common
Stuffy nose	Sometimes	Common
Sore throat	Sometimes	Common
Cough	Severe	Mild, hacking cough
Headache	Common	Rare

Source: Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organisation