Is it a Cold or the Flu? Understanding Winter Respiratory Illnesses
As winter arrives in Australia, so do the sniffles, sore throats, and sudden sick days. But not all winter and respiratory illnesses are created equal. Many people wonder: Do I have a cold, the flu,or something else? Understanding the differences between common viruses like influenza, RSV, and the rhinovirus can help you manage symptoms effectively — and know when to seek medical advice.
Common Winter Respiratory Viruses
1. The Common Cold (e.g. Rhinovirus)
- Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, mild cough, fatigue. Fever is rare in adults.
- Onset: Gradual.
- Contagious: Yes, especially in the first 2–3 days.
- Duration: 5–10 days.
The common cold is usually mild and can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications.
2. The flu (i.e.Influenza A and B)
- Symptoms: Sudden high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat,headache. Can cause severe fatigue and complications like pneumonia.
- Onset: Rapid.
- Contagious: Very – especially in the first 3–5 days (and can be longer in young children or people with weakened immunity).
- Duration: Typically1–2 weeks, sometimes longer.
Flu can hit hard. High-risk groups (older adults, people with chronic conditions, young children, and pregnant women)should seek medical advice promptly. Annual flu vaccination is the most effective protection, along with good hygiene and habits that support a healthy immune system.
3. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, runny nose, fever. In severe cases, this can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
- Onset: Gradual.
- Contagious: Yes – especially among children and in aged care settings.
- Duration: 1–2 weeks.
RSV is common in infants, young children,and the elderly, and is a major cause of hospitalisations in children under 5in Australia. If a baby or elderly person shows difficulty breathing,dehydration, or high fever, seek medical help immediately.
Other Common Winter Respiratory Illnesses
In addition to colds, flu, and RSV, winter in Australia often brings other respiratory conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia, which can develop after a viral illness or affect people with existing chronic health conditions. Whooping Cough (pertussis) is another serious respiratory illness, particularly concerning for infants and vulnerable adults, and vaccination is recommended for pregnant women, infants,and adults in close contact with babies. If you develop a persistent cough,fever, or difficulty breathing, see your GP promptly.
Managing Symptoms at Home
- Rest: Allow your body time to recover.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel like it.
- Nutrition: Light, nourishing meals can support recovery.
- Pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with fever and aches.
- Avoid spreading illness: Stay home, wash your hands often, and wear a mask if needed.
Other Winter Illness FAQs
Q: When is the most common month to get sick in Australia?
A: Peak respiratory illness activity usually occurs between June and August,with July often seeing the highest number of flu and cold cases.
Q: When is flu season in Australia?
A: The flu season typically runs from May to October, with a peak in June to September in most temperate parts of Australia.
✅ When to See a Doctor
While most winter respiratory illnesses clear up on their own, it is important to seek medical help if:
- You have a high fever (≥ 38 °C) lasting more than 3 days, or a fever that goes away and then comes back.
- Your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 72 hours — this might indicate a secondary infection or other complications.
- You have a persistent cough,especially if it lasts more than 3 weeks, or if you experience shortness of breath or chest pain, particularly if these come on suddenly or feel severe.These could signal complications such as pneumonia and require prompt care.
- You notice other warning signs such as confusion, difficulty swallowing or drinking, severe headache, or signs of dehydration (e.g., dizziness, reduced urination).
- You belong to a high-risk group— including infants, older adults, pregnant people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, or those with chronic health conditions like asthma,diabetes, or heart disease.
- You’re concerned or unsure about your symptoms, or need advice on when it is safe to return to work,childcare, or school.
⚠️ Note: This information is general guidance only. If you are unsure or your condition worsens, it is safest to contact your local GP, telehealth GP, local health clinic, or the national health direct helpline.
Need to speak to a GP online?
Private Medical GPs are available 7 days a week — including evenings, weekends and public holidays. If you are worried about cold or flu symptoms, for yourself or a loved one, an online GP consultation can help clarify your symptoms and next steps.
You can book a Private Medical GP appointment online at any time, or call 135 001 to book your appointment over the phone with our friendly customer service team.
