Flu

While both are caused by viruses and there are many symptoms that are similar, flu symptoms have a sudden onset and are more severe. Symptoms that do not usually show up with great severity with a cold, but can occur with a flu are: moderate to severe headaches, body aches, a high fever that lasts for up to four days, or extreme fatigue. With a cold, on the other hand, you’ll likely suffer from less severe symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, nasal congestion, sore throat and dry cough.

No. You can only get a cold or flu if you are exposed to a virus by someone who is infected. This may happen if the infected person coughs or sneezes on you, if you shake hands with the person, or if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.