Cold and Flu 101: What You Need to Know
By Erinn Connor
Influenza, or the flu, and the common cold can be tricky to tell apart. Both are respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, and they share many symptoms.
The flu is caused by influenza viruses, but many distinct viruses (most commonly rhinoviruses) can cause a cold. Seasonal flu activity (flu season) typically occurs between October and May, although flu viruses are around all year.
Similarly, most people develop colds in the winter and spring, but they can occur any time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults average two to three colds each year. (1)
https://www.everydayhealth.com/flu/guide/
