Many people confuse a cold with the flu, and vice versa, because they are both respiratory illnesses—but they are actually caused by different viruses and require different treatment.

The flu is an infection of the respiratory system that is caused by the influenza virus. In general, it is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu and are caused by many different viruses. People with colds are more likely to have a stuffy or runny nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations (CDC).

Every year Americans get approximately 1 million colds.*

Influenza, cold’s evil twin, affects up to 60 million Americans annually.*