What is the difference between the common cold & “the flu”? - Healthy at Home with Dr. Handy | CHOP

Dr. Lori Handy explains that the common cold is often caused by rhinoviruses, although other viruses, like some coronaviruses, enteroviruses, and adenoviruses can cause the same symptoms. The flu is caused by just one virus, the influenza virus.
Symptoms of the common cold include a runny nose, congestion, cough, low-grade fever and tiredness. Influenza can have similar symptoms; however, what really differentiates the flu from the common cold is that some people have much more severe symptoms, including quick onset of high fever, muscle aches, fatigue, significant cough and congestion. They may feel run down for several days. Some people will require hospitalization, and sadly, some will die.
Dr. Handy also talks about the influenza vaccine, which is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, and the benefits of getting vaccinated.
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Causes and symptoms of the common cold
00:53 Causes and symptoms of influenza
01:34 Influenza vaccine
For more information about the “Healthy at Home with Dr. Handy” series or other Parents PACK programs, please visit our website, vaccine.chop.edu/parents.
Video created by and for the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (VEC at CHOP) is composed of scientists, physicians, mothers, and fathers devoted to the study and prevention of infectious diseases. The Center was launched in October 2000 to provide accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
If you have any questions about your child’s health, please contact your child’s doctor. This video is intended only to provide general education and not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship between you and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). It is not medical advice or treatment, and CHOP is not responsible for any outcomes you or your child might experience from your use of this video. This video is provided “AS IS” with no warranties or representations. This video is copyright of CHOP. All rights reserved. ©2023 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.