How to Tell if It's a Cold or the Flu
Not sure what’s causing your coughs and sneezes?
The common cold and the flu are both very common infections. Some people mistakenly believe that the flu is just a "bad cold." However, these are two separate conditions, and the flu generally causes different and more severe symptoms. In this video, learn the difference in symptoms of the common cold and the flu, and how both compare to symptoms of COVID-19.
- Stacia Woodcock, PharmDStacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.
References
Boktor, S. W., et al. (2023). Influenza. StatPearls.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About common cold.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Cold versus flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Signs and symptoms of flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19.
Thomas, M., et al. (2023). Upper respiratory tract infection. StatPearls.
