What is the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu?

Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu may affect between 5 to as high as 20 percent of the U.S. population depending on the year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year for flu-related complications.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu? Is it too late to get vaccinated? Who is at risk for influenza? Why is it the 8th leading cause of death? Get your questions answered by Dr. Cross!