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.

Here’s how to tell the difference.

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