What is the difference between a cold, the flu, and a flu-like illness?
Can't tell the difference between a cold, the flu, and a flu-like illness? A cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract that occurs in the nose and throat; influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus; and influenza-like illnesses are any viruses that cause symptoms as severe as the flu. A common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract that occurs in the nose and throat. There are hundreds of viruses that cause colds. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose, not necessarily a fever. Colds