Chapter 01Health & Wellness

What's the difference between a cold and the flu?

Colds creep in over days with a runny nose and sore throat. Flu arrives in hours with fever, chills, and aching muscles. If you can still go to work, it's probably a cold.

Follow-up questions

When should I see a doctor?

Fever over 39 °C lasting more than 3 days, trouble breathing, chest pain, or symptoms that suddenly worsen after improving.

Do antibiotics help?

No. Both are viral. Antibiotics only matter if a bacterial complication (sinusitis, pneumonia) sets in.

Does vitamin C prevent colds?

It doesn't prevent them but may shorten them by about a day if taken regularly.

People also search

  • flu shot side effects
  • covid vs flu
  • cold remedies that actually work