Is it the cold or flu?

Colds are very common and can be caused by one of 200 viruses. There is no vaccine for colds.

'The flu' is caused by the influenza virus, and can be severe. A vaccine is available for the flu.

Understand the symptoms

Fever

Colds: Rare

Flu: Common

Cough

Colds: Common

Flu: Common

Sore throat

Colds: Common

Flu: Sometimes

Fatigue

Colds: Sometimes

Flu: Common

Body aches/pain

Colds: No

Flu: Common

Headache

Colds: Rare

Flu: Common

Stuffy/runny nose

Colds: Common

Flu: Sometimes

Diarrhoea

Colds: No

Flu: Sometimes (in children)

Sneezing

Colds: Common

Flu: No

Vomiting

Colds: Rare

Flu: Common in children / Rare in adults

Cold and flu treatments

• Lots of rest
• Avoid cigarette smoke
• Plenty of water
• Keep warm
• Eat a healthy diet
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever, aches and pains
• Saline nasal sprays or decongestants for a blocked or runny nose
• Throat lozenges for a sore throat
• Do not use cough medicines for children younger than 6 years old

Practise good hygiene

It’s important to keep up good hygiene when you’re sick, to avoid spreading colds and flu to other people. Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue.

Colds and flu myths debunked

Myth: The flu is not a serious illness

Fact: The flu is highly contagious and can be life-threatening

Myth: Colds and flu can be treated with antibiotics

Fact: Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses

Myth: Vitamin C supplements can prevent colds and flu

Fact: There is no evidence to support vitamin C supplements preventing colds or flu

Myth: Healthy people don’t need to be vaccinated

Fact: Everyone over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated every year

Myth: You can catch colds and flu from cold weather or getting caught in the rain

Fact: Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not by wet climates or being exposed to cold air

Myth: Having the flu vaccine during pregnancy will harm the baby

Fact: The flu shot is safe for pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy

Groups at risk of severe flu

• Elderly
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• People with existing medical conditions

Flu vaccination

• Getting vaccinated every year is your best protection against the flu
• The flu vaccine is FREE under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule for people at high risk
• Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for more information

Experiencing symptoms?

Use healthdirect's Symptom Checker to get advice on what to do next

healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker