A cold usually builds gradually with runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and a mild cough. The flu is more likely to hit like a truck: sudden fever, body aches, chills, headache, and a deep sense that the couch has won.
Both are viral, but the flu tends to make people feel much sicker much faster. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or include trouble breathing, confusion, or dehydration, it is worth getting medical advice.
In practice, the difference is often how hard the illness lands and how quickly it lands. A stuffy nuisance is usually a cold; a sudden all-over crash is more likely to be flu.
Sources
This is general information, not professional medical advice. For decisions about your situation, talk to a qualified professional.
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