When an individual is trying to decipher whether or not he or she has the cold or the flu, it can be difficult. Both have very similar symptoms associated with them. Sometimes it can even be hard for a physician to diagnose one or the other based on reported symptoms and without medical testing. However, there are several key differences in cold and flu symptoms which can help to define which one a person is suffering.Onset of SymptomsOne of the most notable difference between a cold and the flu are the onset of symptoms. The symptoms of a cold develop slowly, sometimes over a couple of days. However, the flu is characterized by symptoms which develop very rapidly.General SymptomsWhile the flu presents with a high fever, a cold will present with a low grade fever, if any at all. The flu will also exhibit body aches and chills, while a cold rarely has these symptoms.Respiratory SymptomsMany times both a cold and the flu will have a cough associated with an illness, although the characteristics of the cough differ. A cold with present with a productive cough, usually with copious amounts of mucus. During the flu, however, the cough will be non-productive, producing no mucus. When a stuffy or runny nose is present, it is most likely a cold. These nasal symptoms are rarely associated with the flu.Gastrointestinal SymptomsGastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting never occur during a cold and only rarely during the flu. These symptoms are more prevalent in a case of the Swine Flu.Even with knowing the symptoms, it can still be hard to differentiate between the cold and flu without lab work. Because the treatment is most often the same for both the cold and flu, a physician will often not order any. If a person is in a high risk category, however, it may be necessary. This category includes the elderly, infants, and those with chronic conditions, such as Diabetes. In these cases, knowing the symptoms and receiving supportive treatment can help to prevent complications which could arise.