A cold begins when a virus attaches to the lining of your nose or throat. A doctor can usually tell if you have the flu based on your symptoms, especially if it’s during peak season. Bird flu ...

The symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and a cold have some overlap but are often different. As a rule, flu and COVID-19 symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms. Your symptoms can help you tell ...

While symptoms of the common cold and the flu can be similar, there are some important differences that distinguishes one from the other. Differences are outlined in Cold vs Flu symptoms table. Clean ...

The common cold and flu both attack the respiratory system, but their causes and consequences differ significantly. The cold is the work of more than 200 different viruses, with rhinovirus leading ...

In February 2025, flu rates spiked to the highest levels seen in at least 15 years, with flu outpacing COVID-19 infections ...

Chaoui’s advice is to skip over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which are largely ineffective, and instead try humidifiers, gargling with warm water, and drinking plenty of fluids — to ...

The best cold medicine won't cure your virus, but it will help you manage your symptoms. These OTC options should stay ...

Some symptoms of COVID-19 overlap with those of the common cold, allergies, and the flu. That can make it tricky to diagnose without a test. The coronavirus generally affects the lungs and ...

Young children and older adults can experience severe illness as a result of the flu. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV can also lead to cold-like symptoms. But RSV can cause severe illness in ...

I'm just glad your flu test came back negative and you don't have the flu. Its just a bad cold go home and get some rest and drink plenty of fluids and you'll start feel better. And no ...

Tree pollen season has begun in South Carolina while cold and flu viruses are still circulating, which can confuse patients.

Sometimes there is a bacterial infection or complications that need medical assessment and follow up. The best way to prevent catching a cold or flu is to wash your hands frequently and get your ...