Quiz: What's the difference between flu and a cold?

Although fever is a common issue with those suffering from the flu, it's hardly ever present with a cold.

Most healthy people will recover from the flu on their own inside of two weeks. People with weakened immune systems, chronic conditions or who are pregnant, as well as those under 5 and over 65 should see a physician.

Cold and flu are both viral illnesses, but they are caused by very different viruses.

Antivirals won't do anything for a cold, but have been shown to reduce duration of the flu by a day or two. It works best when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, but can still help even after that window. Anti-virals are often prescribed as a preventive measure if a person has been in close contact with someone who has the flu.

Antiviral medications can do a lot of good, but some people experience significant nausea and vomiting when they take them. See your doctor to find out if your antiviral risk outweighs your reward.

Treatment for colds versus flu isn't all that different. Hydration is ultra-important with both, especially if vomiting and diarrhea are present. So, drink lots of clear fluids and avoid caffeinated beverages, which are diuretics, thus dehydrating.

When people contract the flu they usually become contagious 24 to 72 hours later, and remain that way up to five days after onset of symptoms. Never go back to work or school before the 24-hour fever-free window. And that means fever-free without using medication.

Although the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu, it has zero effect on colds. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday." In a pinch, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

The flu spreads when infected people sneeze, cough or talk, spraying droplets far and wide.

Antibiotics work for illnesses caused by bacteria. Colds, as we said earlier, are caused by viruses. So antibiotics are useless against colds.