• Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses. They can have similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. Since these two illnesses can look similar, it can be difficult to tell them apart. The flu, in general, is worse than the common cold, and has more intense symptoms. People with colds are more likely to have milder symptoms, as well as a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations, while the flu can cause these complications. Take a look at the handy dandy chart below (provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to see how cold and flu symptoms differ. And, for more information on the flu, visit the CDC's site by clicking the link below. 
     
     
    Cold vs Flu Symptoms