Colds and flu symptoms are similar, and treatments for both are the same. Antibiotics won't help with a cold or the flu because they aren't effective against viruses.

Colds
Colds are caused by viruses that easily spread through the air and on surfaces, such as drinking glasses and doorknobs. Cold symptoms include runny nose, fever, sore throat, cough, congestion.

Cold symptoms can last 1 to 2 weeks. To ease your symptoms, try home treatments.

Flu
The flu (or influenza) is caused by a virus that infects the bronchial tubes and lungs. Flu symptoms include those of a cold, as well as headache, chills, fever, body aches, congestion.

COVID-19 has symptoms similar to flu, you can learn more about COVID-19 here.

You might also have abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Flu symptoms can last up to 10 days. To ease your symptoms, try home treatments.