At the beginning of 2018, the United States faced a flu season unlike any other, with nearly the entire country being affected and hundreds being hospitalized with even a few casualties. People tend to confuse the symptoms of a cold and the flu because of their very close similarities. Sometimes people will think they have the flu when it’s just a cold and think that they have just a cold when it’s actually the flu. The difference? The cold won’t lead to anything serious while the flu can lead to death if complications arise and is not treated right away. That is why it’s very important to know the symptoms of each and to visit your doctor regardless of your symptoms being either the cold or the flu.

1. Runny and/or stuffy nose

This is one of the most tell-tell signs that it’s just a cold. If you're going through your tissue box like crazy, just some cold medicine and rest will do the trick.

2. Sore throat

This symptom is both a cold and flu symptom; however, the cold will bring a milder sore throat than the flu. If your throat hurts to the point where it's affecting your talking, eating and drinking, then it might be the flu.

3. Sneezing

This symptom is tied to a runny and/stuffy nose and is generally associated with a cold. Sneezing is also associated with seasonal allergies. See if allergy medicine is all you need, if it doesn't work, then resort to the cold medicine.

4. Coughing

Both the cold and the flu include coughing, however, the flu will consist of a dry, hacking cough while the cold will consist of a more normal cough.

5. Headache and/or body aches

This symptom will be associated with both viruses. However, the flu will cause body aches and chills that will leave you in bed all day completely fatigued, compared to the cold.

6. Nausea and vomiting

While this symptom can go along with both, this is another symptom that is more prominent with the flu and is more common in children rather than adults. If you've been throwing up all night combined with the other possible flu symptoms, then a trip to the doctor's is a must.

And keep this rule of thumb in mind.

Symptoms are gradual over time? It's probably the cold.

Symptoms arrive all at once? It's probably the flu.