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What is the flu?
The flu, also called influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Each year, millions of Americans get sick with the flu. Sometimes it causes mild illness. But it can also be serious or even deadly, especially for people over 65, newborn babies, and people with certain chronic illnesses.

What causes the flu?
The flu is caused by flu viruses that spread from person to person. When someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, they spray tiny droplets. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person may get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Flu | Flu Symptoms | Stomach Flu | Influenza | MedlinePlus The flu can cause serious illness in people over 65, babies, and people with certain chronic illnesses. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a vaccine.

What is the common cold?
The common cold is a mild infection of your upper respiratory tract (which includes your nose and throat). Colds are probably the most common illness. Adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more. Colds are more common in the winter and spring, but you can get them at any time.

What causes the common cold?
More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common type. The viruses that cause colds are very contagious. They can spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact. You can also get infected when you touch something that has the virus on it and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose. For example, you could get a cold after you shake hands with someone who has a cold or touch a doorknob that has the germs on it, and then touch your face.

What are the symptoms of the common cold?
The symptoms of a common cold usually include:

Sneezing
Stuffy nose (congestion)
Runny nose
Sore throat
Coughing
Headache
The symptoms usually start a few days after you become infected with the virus. Some symptoms can last for 10-14 days.

Common Cold | Viral Infection | MedlinePlus Common cold symptoms usually begin 2 or 3 days after infection and last 2 to 14 days. There is no cure for the common cold. Learn tips for relief.