Common cold and flu are very similar yet very different type of diseases which have signs and symptoms that could be misleading. While you might be taking medication for flu you might be suffering from a common cold or vice versa. A cold is a milder respiratory illness than the flu. While cold symptoms can lead to a few uncomfortable days flu can keep you on the bed for weeks. The flu can also result in serious health problems such as pneumonia and hospitalizations. It's important to know the difference between the symptoms. We break it down for you here.