The biggest difference between a cold and the flu is the absence of sneezing in the flu. Furthermore, while a high fever is common in the flu, it's rare in a cold. Headache, joint and muscle aches may occur in the flu but are not expected in a cold. A cold is generally a milder illness than the flu. Flu symptoms more often include fever, chills, muscle aches and weakness, dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion, and hoarseness may also occur.