Can someone tell me what is the different between having a cold and having flu? I am currently having a debate with one of my co-workers.

    

I believe the flu encompasses many other symptoms that a common cold does. Fever, muscle aches, cough, congestion are not usually associated with a cold. I am sure there are other symptoms as well that are common just of the flu


Julianna

There are many differences between them. I guess that Julianna pretty much named them all. Colds and flus are similiar, however, the flu is a lot more painful. The flu usually comes with vomiting, muscle aches, hot and cold flashes, and fatigue, and it's almost impossible to function when you have the flu. However, the cold usually is mild and only comes with sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and other mild symptons.

I may be wrong on this, but I believe the flu is contagious but a common cold is not. With a cold it is more sinus congestion and sore throat, no fever. The flu is debilitating sometimes, and can be deadly in children and the elderly. The flu is more body aches, fever, chills, and misery.

@ firelady... flu is not actually deadly. I think you were referring to swine flu (h1n1 strain).
I agree with Juliana - flu has muscle cramps, fever, headaches.

In my opinion flu means when your nose is overflowing but in Cold your nose is blocked and you are feeling difficult in breathing. Cold is much more worst than flu because it also cause headache and also lead to fever.

Problem in taking breath is most common due to flu but combination of different diseases which may include flu, fever, cough and other disease can refer as cold.