© Freepik
August 10, 2025
Lena Sämann
Sneezing, coughing, fever – but is it just a harmless cold or a serious flu? Learn about the crucial differences and find out when you should see a doctor.
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The nose is running, the head aches, and you feel tired – but is it just a common cold or actually the flu? This question is asked by millions of people each year, especially during the cold season. Correctly distinguishing between them is important, because while a cold is usually harmless, real flu can lead to serious complications.
A cold usually develops gradually over several days. Symptoms often start with a slight scratchy throat or a stuffy nose. Typical signs include:
Symptoms usually peak after 2-3 days and then gradually subside. A cold typically lasts 7-10 days.
Unlike a cold, a genuine flu usually appears very suddenly. From one moment to the next, you feel really sick. The symptoms are significantly more intense:
Flu can last 1-2 weeks, and the exhaustion can last for weeks.
As colds are usually caused by viruses, antibiotics do not help. The treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms:
Hausmittel und Selbstpflege:
Medication support:
The treatment of flu usually requires more attention and possibly medical care:
Basic measures:
Drug therapy:
The annual flu vaccination is the most effective protection against influenza. It is especially recommended for:
Both colds and flu can be reduced by simple measures:
A strong immune system is the best protection against infections:
Während Erkältungen meist harmlos verlaufen, kann eine Grippe zu ernsthaften Komplikationen führen:
Therefore, it is important to take the symptoms seriously and seek medical help if they worsen or persist.
Distinguishing between a cold and the flu is not always easy, but it is important for the right treatment. While a cold is usually treatable with home remedies and patience, the flu requires more attention and often medical care.
In both cases, the rule is: Listen to your body, allow yourself rest, and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen. Prevention through vaccination, good hygiene, and a healthy Immunsystem bleibt der beste Schutz vor beiden Erkrankungen.
Denken Sie daran: Bei Unsicherheiten ist es immer besser, einmal zu viel als einmal zu wenig zum Arzt zu gehen – Ihre Gesundheit ist es wert.
