Cold Vs. Flu: How Are They Different?

This is not medical advice.

Although it’s possible to catch a cold or the flu any time of year, most people associate cold and flu season with the fall and winter. Influenza viruses seem to prefer cold and dry conditions, and rhinoviruses — the most common cause of a cold — peak during the fall months.

Here are the differences between these two illnesses, as well as the various treatment options for combating a cold or the flu.

What Is Influenza?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a respiratory illness that affects the throat and nose, and has the ability to infect the lungs. The flu is caused by a series of influenza viruses that can either clear up on their own or lead to severe complications. These complications affect some groups more than others, including those who:

• Are over 65 years old.
• Live in long-term care facilities or nursing homes.
• Are obese and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or over.
• Are younger than 5 years old.
• Are pregnant, particularly those in the second or third trimester.
• Have a weakened immune system.
• Have chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma and kidney disease.

People who contract influenza are highly contagious from a day before their symptoms show to five days after they appear. The strains of influenza constantly change; therefore, if you’ve had the flu before, your body has built up antibodies to that particular strain of flu. This doesn’t mean that you’re protected from a different strain you may catch in the future. Antibodies from a previous flu infection or flu shot are also shown to decline over time.

What Is Rhinovirus?

While several types of viral infections can cause the common cold, rhinoviruses are the most prevalent. There are over 160 serotypes or strains of rhinovirus, making it difficult to find a cure for this complex virus. A person can easily transmit a rhinovirus to another person, as it spreads through the droplets in the air when the infected person sneezes, coughs or talks and enters others through their mouth, nose or eyes. For example, if a child touches a table after wiping their nose with their hand and a second child touches their eyes after coming in contact with the contaminated table, there’s a high possibility that the second child will contract the first child’s cold. The following individuals are more likely to contract a cold:

• Young children or infants.
• Those with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.
• Smokers or those around secondhand smoke.
• Those in crowded areas such as public transportation systems or schools.

Often, rhinoviruses clear up after a few days on their own. However, like the flu, a common cold can cause a number of complications such as asthma, acute ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflamed sinuses and strep throat.

What Is The Difference Between The Flu And A Cold?

While the flu and a cold might seem as if they have interchangeable symptoms, there are several ways to distinguish the two. The flu is caused by one of two influenza viruses: type A or B. A cold, on the other hand, can be caused by one of over 160 rhinoviruses. Therefore, it’s much more common to have a cold than the flu.

While you can catch the flu any time of the year, December through April are the peak months for flu season in the United States. Rhinoviruses, on the other hand, usually peak around during the fall months and appear intermittently in the spring.

As the cold and flu viruses are both respiratory viruses, similar symptoms can include a stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough or chest discomfort. However, flu symptoms can develop further into fever, chills and fatigue, and become more severe than a cold. Those with the common cold are more likely to have milder symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing, and usually don’t have serious complications as with the flu.

Treatment Options For The Flu

Those with the flu can most likely treat their symptoms at home. However, they should contact their doctor if they’re more at risk for flu complications or their symptoms worsen or turn into signs of an emergency, such as chest pain, seizures or constant dizziness. Options to treat the flu include:

• The flu shot. Scientists develop the flu shot, or flu vaccine, each year to fit the strain that’s estimated to affect the population during flu season. The flu vaccine works by priming your immune system to make antibodies that combat the flu virus if it’s introduced into your body. It’s recommended to get the flu vaccine each year, as the antibodies made from the vaccine one year may not be as effective the next year.
• Antiviral drugs. When promptly taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, an antiviral drug can lessen the severity of flu symptoms. The three antiviral drugs that are available with a doctor’s prescription are oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), and peramivir (Rapivab®). These medications are effective at treating both types of influenza.
• Over-the-counter medication. A doctor may recommend combining over-the-counter medication with prescription antiviral treatments. If you are congested, a decongestant may be effective, while antihistamines may be helpful for itchy eyes or sneezing.

It’s important to mention that anyone who chooses to take medication should first consult a physician or medical professional. Once a medication or dosage is approved, check GoodRx to find the best price.

Treatment Options For A Cold

Common cold symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Those with a cold most likely won’t have to see a doctor for their symptoms. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are a few options to treat the symptoms effectively, including:

• Using a humidifier.
• Getting adequate rest and fluids.
• Taking a steam shower or breathing in steam from a mug of hot water or tea.
• Using saline drops or nasal spray.
• Gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat.
• Taking Ibuprofen for pain.
• Taking vitamin C or zinc.
• Sipping warm liquids with honey.

Taking antibiotics will not help a cold’s symptoms because they are only effective against bacteria, not viruses. Taking excessive amounts of antibiotics may also create antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the body. Over-the-counter medication should be used with caution when given to a young child. Consult your doctor about treatment options for the common cold in young children.

How GoodRx Can Help

Suffering from a cold or the flu this season? GoodRx Care lets you talk to a medical professional about your symptoms without leaving your home. If your provider prescribes you any medications, the easy-to-use (and free!) GoodRx app can help you find the most affordable price in your area for your prescription drugs. Visit GoodRx to learn more.

Want to learn more about GoodRx? Download the GoodRx app or use their drug search tool on GoodRx.com to find the lowest price for your prescriptions.