The common cold and influenza : colds & flu

The common cold and influenza are respiratory illnesses. However, they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Colds are usually milder than the flu and people with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense.