by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: They Share Many Symptoms
Distinguishing the common cold from the seasonal flu can be difficult. Colds and the flu share many of the same symptoms, making a home diagnosis difficult. Symptoms such as a cough, aches, fatigue and chest pain are common in both the flu and in colds.
On the Other: The Flu Is More Severe
Symptoms of the flu are more severe and they progress more rapidly. Body aches are debilitating, fatigue is overwhelming, chills are common and a fever is likely. While the symptoms of a cold typically develop gradually over the course of several days, flu symptoms progress faster, and the affected person can go from feeling fine to wanting to crawl into bed within hours.
Bottom Line
Both colds and the flu typically resolve themselves with at-home care. It is important to note, however, that complications requiring a hospital stay are more common with the flu. Complications of the flu include bacterial infection and pneumonia.
Source:
Scientific American: What is the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu?
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