Whats the difference between the flu and a cold?
Flu and Cold The difference between influenza and the common cold The difference between influenza and the common cold Both influenza and the common cold are viral respiratory infections (they affect the nose, throat, and lungs). Viruses are spread from person to person through airborne droplets that are sneezed out or coughed up by an infected person. In some cases, the viruses can be spread when a person touches an infected surface (e.g., doorknobs, countertops, telephones) and then touches his or her nose, mouth, or eyes. As such, these illnesses are most easily spread in crowded conditions such as schools. Influenza is commonly referred to as “the flu.” Between October and March each year, between 10% and 40% of people are stricken with influenza.
Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is an illness caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza (flu) infection often causes a more severe illness with a mortality rate (death rate) of about 0.1% of people who are infected with the virus.
