Flu season typically begins in late April and peaks in June and July. While colds can occur year-round, the flu follows a more defined seasonal pattern, making now the ideal time to get vaccinated and take preventive steps.
“Sniffling, sneezing, body aches—it’s that time of year again. But how do you know if you’re dealing with a common cold or something more serious like the flu?” asks Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Knowing what you’re dealing with makes all the difference in how you treat it. While colds can be annoying, flu symptoms can knock you flat and lead to serious complications. Being informed means knowing when to rest, when to seek medical care, and how to prevent illness in the first place.”
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Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explains the key differences between the flu and the common cold and how to tell them apart.
Spot the difference: Cold vs Flu
While colds and the flu both affect your nose, throat, and lungs, they’re not the same. Colds usually come on slowly, starting with a sore throat or a runny nose. The symptoms are mild—you might sneeze, feel a little blocked up, or have a light cough. You may feel tired, but you can usually go about your day.
The flu is much more intense. It hits quickly—you could feel fine in the morning and feel awful by the afternoon. Flu symptoms include a high fever (often over 38°C), chills, body aches, tiredness, a dry cough, and headaches. It can leave you completely wiped out and stuck in bed for days or even weeks.
In short, colds are a nuisance. The flu is much tougher and can sometimes lead to serious health problems.
Why knowing the difference matters
A cold might make you feel slightly off, but the flu can hit you hard. It doesn’t just make you feel terrible—it can lead to serious health problems such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and sometimes hospital stays. Moreover, the flu can be dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, young children, and people with long-term health conditions. That’s why knowing the signs early and protecting yourself is important.
5 Common flu myths
Don’t let these myths put your health at risk. Knowing the facts can help you get the proper care and stay protected during the flu season.
Myth 1: Healthy people don’t get the flu.
Truth: You can still catch the flu even if you’re fit and active. No one is immune.
Myth 2: You always need antibiotics for the flu.
Truth: Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria—so antibiotics won’t help unless there’s another infection involved.
Myth 3: You can’t catch the same virus twice.
Truth: Flu strains change every year. That’s why getting an annual flu shot is important.
Myth 4: The flu is just a bad cold.
Truth: The flu can be much more serious than a cold. It can lead to complications and keep you in bed for days or even weeks.
Myth 5: If you’ve had the vaccine, you can’t get the flu.
Truth: The flu shot reduces your risk and makes symptoms milder if you do get sick—but it doesn’t guarantee complete protection.
When to see a doctor
Sometimes, staying home with rest and fluids is enough. However, specific symptoms are warning signs that it’s time to consult a doctor. These symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, high fever that doesn’t go down, symptoms lasting more than 10 days, severe weakness or dizziness, trouble eating, dehydration, or unusual sleepiness for children. Telehealth services make it easy to consult a doctor from the comfort of your home, especially when you’re too unwell to go out.
How to feel better
If you’re down with a cold or the flu, these simple tips can help you recover faster:
- Rest: Your body needs time and energy to fight off the virus. Take it easy.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Water, juice, and herbal tea help thin mucus and strengthen your immune system.
- Use over-the-counter medicine: Pain relievers, decongestants, and cough syrup can help ease your symptoms.
- Have warm drinks: Teas, broths, and soups can soothe a sore throat and help with congestion.
- Breathe in steam: A hot shower or steam bowl can relieve sinus pressure and help clear your nose and chest.
Prevention is better than cure
The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is updated yearly to target the most common circulating strains and is widely available through pharmacies, clinics, and employer health programmes.
Other simple ways to stay healthy:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Try not to touch your nose, mouth or eyes.
- Stay active, eat well, and get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong.
- Clean things you touch a lot, like phones, door handles, and remote controls.
- If you’re sick, stay home.
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Feature Image: Supplied
