What is the difference between a cold and the Flu?

In everyday life, the term ‘flu’ is often popularly used to refer to any number of illnesses and may sometimes be confused with the common cold.

The condition influenza – or ‘the flu’ for short – is actually a respiratory illness caused by virus that can cause fevers, headaches, coughs, sore throats and muscle aches.¹ There are a number of different types of virus that can cause the flu.¹ In Australia there are around 9000 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu annually, and this does not include the large number of people who may not see a doctor for their symptoms.²

Most flu viruses attack the body’s respiratory system³ – the lungs and the airways, including the throat and nose – causing classic flu symptoms.¹

Symptoms of flu include:¹

• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• High fever, chills and sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches or body aches
• Tiredness and weakness.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between the flu and a cold by symptoms alone. However, in general symptoms of the flu last longer and may be associated with fever, shivering and muscle pain.^1,4 With a common cold, the symptoms tend to last for a shorter period of time and usually only involve a runny nose and a mild fever.^1,4

The flu virus can be spread easily, through people sneezing and coughing. The flu virus can also settle onto surfaces such as door knobs, telephones and hand rails and can then be picked up and passed from the hands to the mouth, nose or eyes.⁴ A person can become sick within 2 to 3 days of infection but may become contagious and be able to spread the virus for up to a day before they start to notice any symptoms.⁵

Needless to say, one of the best ways to protect the body from flu is by frequent hand washing during flu season.⁴ Avoid contact with those who are sick. If you are unwell, stay home away from work, school or social gatherings.⁴

In most cases, people with the flu will recover in 5 to 7 days.^1,4 The key is to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.^1,4 Over-the-counter medicine may also help decrease the severity of the symptoms.^1,4

Always consult a doctor if flu is suspected especially for the vulnerable such as the elderly, young babies or those with weakened body defenses. ^1,6

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