Cold vs. Flu: Understanding Symptoms and Severity

The common cold is a mild, self-limited viral illness of the nose and throat. It is usually not considered to be a serious illness, and most people recover from it within a few weeks. However, some people may experience more severe symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue. These symptoms can make it difficult to go to work or school, and may even lead to hospitalization in some cases.