Common Cold vs Influenza
Common Cold and Influenza are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Common Cold and Influenza
Common Cold: A mild viral infection of the nose and throat causing runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and sore throat.
Influenza: A contagious respiratory viral infection causing fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, and fatigue.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Common Cold and Influenza.
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Rhinorrhea
Increased discharge of mucus from the nose....
Sore Throat
Pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when swallowing, commonly caused by viral o...
Symptoms of each condition
Common Cold
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
General Malaise
A general feeling of being unwell, tired, or uncomfortable, which often accompanies illness....
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Nasal congestion
Reduced ability to pass air through the nasal cavity often leading to mouth breathing....
Rhinorrhea
Increased discharge of mucus from the nose....
Sneezing
Sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the nose and mouth, common in allergies and colds....
Sore Throat
Pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when swallowing, commonly caused by viral o...
Influenza
Chills
A sudden sensation of feeling cold....
Cough
A sudden, audible expulsion of air from the lungs through a partially closed glottis, preceded by inhalation....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Headache
Cephalgia, or pain sensed in various parts of the head, not confined to the area of distribution of any nerve....
Myalgia
Pain in muscle....
Rhinorrhea
Increased discharge of mucus from the nose....
Sore Throat
Pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when swallowing, commonly caused by viral o...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Common Cold and Influenza?
Common Cold and Influenza are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Common Cold: A mild viral infection of the nose and throat causing runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and sore throat. Influenza: A contagious respiratory viral infection causing fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, and fatigue. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Common Cold and Influenza be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Cough, Headache, Rhinorrhea, Sore Throat, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Common Cold and Influenza investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as a range of laboratory studies. Test selection is a clinical decision.