FAQ

What is the difference between influenza and a common cold?

What is the difference between influenza and a common cold? 

So they are both respiratory tract infections, but they are caused by different viruses. Common cold that's usually caused by rhinovirus prior I influenza virus or coronavirus. They're usually the seasonal coronaviruses that are different from SARS-COV-2. Flu on the other hand, it's caused by influenza virus, and the symptoms are same in both. They're usually cough, runny nose, fever, but it's very common that the symptoms of flu are more severe and they can actually lead to complications such as pneumonia or other bacterial infections more often. And they also cause hospitalisations. And one important difference between these two diseases is that you can actually protect against flu by vaccinating people. 

This video is intended to be educational for any specific medical questions you may have. Please address these to your local general practitioners.

What is the difference between influenza and a common cold? 

Both the common cold and the flu are respiratory tract infections, but they are caused by different viruses. The common cold is usually caused by the rhinovirus, but it can also be caused by other viruses like the influenza virus or seasonal coronaviruses, which are different from SARS-CoV-2.

The flu, on the other hand, is specifically caused by the influenza virus. While the symptoms of both illnesses are similar and typically include cough, runny nose, and fever, flu symptoms are often more severe. The flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections, and it can result in hospitalizations.

One important difference between these two diseases is that you can protect against the flu by getting vaccinated.

This video is intended to be educational for any specific medical questions you may have. Please address these to your local general practitioners.

Paula Tähtinen
BIO
Paula Tähtinen
ESWI Board Member, University of Turku, Finland