<human>:  How do I differentiate between a cold and the flu?
<bot>: The most common difference between a cold and the flu is that a cold is typically a less serious illness than the flu. Cold symptoms are usually milder and appear gradually over a few days, while flu symptoms are often more intense and come on suddenly. Additionally, a cold typically lasts for a few days to a week, while the flu can last up to two weeks or longer.