The common cold tends to get better on its own in about a week.

The flu can linger than long as well, but it has many complications, so you should see your doctor if you think you have the flu.

The cold  and the flu have different symptoms. You may have the flu if you've had:

* Abrupt onset of severe symptoms, which include headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and high fever (up to 104° F).
* Cough (which is usually dry but can be severe) and sometimes a runny nose and sore throat.
* Sore throat
* Vomiting, diarrhea or ear infections

Common cold symptoms include runny nose, cough, stuffy nose and sore throat. Cold symptoms do not usually come on as quickly and severely as flu symptoms.

The treatment for both includes a lot of bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids. You may take medicine such as Tylenol to reduce fever and to relieve any muscle aches. Chicken soup has been noted to relieve cold symptoms. There are several antiviral flu drugs available, but you must see your doctor for a prescription.