Cold and flu

The common cold and the flu are both caused by viruses. Sore throat is usually an indication that you have contracted a cold. This is followed by nasal symptoms, such as runny nose, congestion, coughing, and sometimes even a fever. Several hundreds of different types of viruses may be responsible for causing these symptoms, which usually go away after about a week.

The flu is characterized by more severe symptoms than the common cold. These come on quicker, and include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, congestion, and cough.