Do you have a flu or cold? Know the difference

The CDC classifies both a flu and common cold as both contagious respiratory infections even though they are caused by different viruses.

Since they have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone.

Colds are milder than flus but special tests can be used to tell if a person is sick with the flu.

But the simplest way to tell the difference is by checking the symptoms.

Fever and chills are more common for people with flu while for those with a cold, fever is rare.

From a stuffy nose, sore throat, fatigue and weakness, headaches and body pains. Flu symptoms are more abrupt while for colds, the symptoms are gradual, and those symptoms may be mild or rare.

A glass of hot lemon water is said to boost the immunity to counter the flu and cold.

Honey can help with the sore throat.

The sneezing, runny and stuffy nose is most likely to be with people having colds while headaches, chills and chest discomfort is for people with flus.

While colds can make you feel bad for days, flus can go for weeks and to some extent if left untreated lead to pneumonia or hospitalisation.