most helpful answer the flu (influenza) and the common cold are caused by different viruses. the flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. the common cold is often caused by rhinovirus infection although a number of other viruses also can cause cold-like symptoms. influenza and the common cold have similar symptoms and it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. in general the flu is worse than the common cold and symptoms of flu including fever cough sore throat muscle or body aches and extreme tiredness tend to come on suddenly. people with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose although the flu also can cause those symptoms. influenza infection can result in hospitalization and sometimes even death while colds are usually milder and generally do not result in serious health problems. the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. also good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands can help stop the spread of many germs that make us sick.
can a cold develop into flu? . i've had a cold for about 4-5 days now and just yesterday i got a headache and had a wave of nausea a few hours later. this morning i woke up very sore despite having slept in my normal position and having done little physical work the previous day. i've had on and off nausea all day and am feeling warm. has my cold turned into the flu?