1 of 2 / Common Cold
View AllWhat Is a Cold?
A cold begins when a virus attaches to the lining of your nose or throat.
What's Causing My Cold?
Cold viruses have a lot in common, but each type has its own style, too.
Is It a Common Cold or Allergies?
It's a question that puzzles lots of folks when symptoms hit: Is all that coughing and sneezing from a cold or hay fever?
What Puts You at Risk for the Common Cold?
2 of 2 / Flu (Influenza)
View AllDo You Have a Cold or Flu?
Do you feel under the weather and wonder if you're sick with the flu or a cold?
Flu Test: How to Find the Virus
A doctor can usually tell if you have the flu based on your symptoms, especially if it’s during peak season.
Bird Flu (H5N1)
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection spread from bird to bird. The most common kind is the H5N1 strain.
Swine Flu (H1N1)
While swine flu isn't as scary as it seemed a few years ago, it's still important to protect yourself from getting it.
Suggested Reads about Cold and Flu
Guide to Your Immune System
Your immune system is the guardian of your galaxy, protecting your body from all sorts of germs and invaders. From your skin to tiny cells, use WebMD's slideshow to learn about the parts of your immune system, what they do, how they work together, and what can happen when it malfunctions.
Why Do I Have the Chills? Reasons Other Than Fever
Chills and fever often come as a combo, but sometimes chills happen with a normal temperature. Find out what could be behind these types of shivers.
What Caused Your Cough?
You have an annoying cough, and you’re not sure why. Many things can be behind it. Find out about some of those In this WebMD slide show.
What Can Suppress Your Immune System
A strong immune system is your best protection against infections and illnesses. Find out what can weaken that defense.
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