Both the common cold and the flu are caused by respiratory viruses. That is, they attack the respiratory system. It is clear that the flu is more severe. Complications are common from the flu, but they are rare from colds. Sometimes a cold cannot be distinguished from the flu by symptoms alone. Personally, I last had something like the flu more than 10 years ago.
Onset of the disease
The cold rolls in gradually, and the flu attacks sharply.
Body temperature
With a cold, it does not rise every time, but with the flu it is almost guaranteed.
Muscle aches
With a cold, it rarely breaks, but with a flu, it is more likely to break.
Chills
With a cold, the body temperature rarely rises so much that it freezes. Chills are common with the flu.
Weakness
With a cold, people can usually work and study, and with a flu, they lie in bed.
Sneezing
With a cold, sneezes often, but this is not typical for the flu.
Cough
With a cold, a cough usually does not interfere with life, and with a flu, often everything around the cough is twisted.
Headache
With a cold, it does not always happen, and with the flu, it is almost guaranteed.
Read more mine article about muscle pain with a viral infection. This is also often asked about.
Briefly speaking
If during a flu epidemic you have something similar, then most likely no one will take a swab from your nose, and the diagnosis will be made only by symptoms.
