The common cold (cold) is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The most common cause is a rhinovirus (30–80%), but up to 200 different viruses may cause the cold.
Cold symptoms include: body aches, headache, dry cough, runny nose and sore or dry throat.
Influenza viruses account for 10–15% of colds.
Infection with influenza virus is also called influenza (
flu).
Flu symptoms may be mild to severe and associated with high fever, fatigue and persistent cough, lasting more than 2 weeks. In children, gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Influenza is associated with a higher risk of complications, which may include:
- viral pneumonia
- secondary bacterial pneumonia
- sinus infections
- Worsening of chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart failure