a cold and the flu

Why is it "A" cold and "THE" flu? Why does cold get such a "it's one of many" title?

There are all sorts of different flus! Fluse? Flues? ... Types of flu!

"THE" makes it sound like it's the one and only. Like: THE Batman. THE Mona Lisa.

Not: "A" Crime Fighter or "A" Painting.

The cold doesn't get enough respect. That's right. I called it THE cold. How often do you get a cold?

A LOT! It has EARNED your fear and respect!

RESPECT THE COLD!

That should be a t-shirt.

I don't think I'll give flu the title of "THE" anymore. It's just a flu. One of many. Every animal has one, so WHOOPIE DOO FLU! You're so UNspecial that you give a flu for every phylum!

I'm off to wash my hands.

Enjoy Everything.

-THE DJ