How do i know if i have a cold or flu?

Timing and symptoms: Timing is important. Flu (influenza) tends to occur during a specific time of year: usually in the winter months in the northern hemisphere. If you get sick in the summer, it's not flu. Flu also tends to cause more severe symptoms than a cold: higher fever, more muscle and joint aches.

Cold versus Flu: Flu symptoms may include fever, sore throat, cough, achiness all over, headache, chills, feeling tired, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Colds are usually much milder than the flu and often lead to a runny nose. Colds don’t usually lead to serious complications (i.e., pneumonia).

Depends on details: Depends on details and severity. Cold or flu symptoms can be from cold viruses, strep throat, allergies, etc., except that allergies usually don't cause fever. Doctors have rapid 5-minute tests for strep, so a primary care doctor can diagnose strep and start antibiotics, often within the first few days of a strep throat infection. Doctors also have a 15-minute rapid test for Flu A and Flu B.