ELI5: What is the difference between a cold and the flu

A cold is like a small, annoying bug bite, while the flu is like getting hit by a small car.

Imagine your body is a castle. A cold is like a few tiny goblins trying to sneak in. Your castle guards (your immune system) can usually handle them pretty easily.

• You might get a runny nose (like the castle moat overflowing a little).
• You might have a scratchy throat (like a tiny goblin tickling you).
• You might feel a bit tired (like the guards had to work a little harder).

The flu, on the other hand, is like a small car crashing into the castle gate. It's much bigger and stronger than those goblins!

• You'll feel REALLY tired (like the whole castle is shaking).
• You'll probably have a fever (like the castle getting super hot).
• Your muscles might ache (like the walls are cracking).
• You might have a cough or feel sick to your stomach (like debris flying everywhere).