Final answer:
Acute illnesses are short-term, while chronic illnesses are long-lasting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute and chronic illnesses have distinct differences. Acute illnesses are short-term in nature, lasting for a few days or weeks. Examples include the common cold and influenza. On the other hand, chronic illnesses are long-lasting, typically persisting for months or even years. Conditions like diabetes and arthritis are considered chronic illnesses.