Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Health

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

How you can identify one from the other. - by Laura Barry
  • 24 Jun 2022
How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

It’s flu season, and this year the flu has been deadlier than ever before. It’s important that you know how to tell the difference between cold and flu symptoms, so you can seek professional medical advice from your GP as soon as possible.

“The common symptoms many of us experience during a cold or flu - sore throat, running or blocked nose, headaches and sinus pain may be triggered by inflammation in your body,” says Pharmacy franchise CEO, Feras Karem. “Taking an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen as part of a holistic health management approach is a great way to reduce cold and flu symptoms and help you get on with your life. However, there is a different virus for cold than there is for flu. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell from your symptoms which it is you’re suffering from. Here are some quick identifiers.”

visit a GP doctor
Getty

How to tell the difference between a cold and the flu

1. Is your head hot?

“A fever is an indicator of flu, and can manifest via sweats and a warm forehead when you touch the back of your hand to it. If your temperature is over 37 degrees Celsius, see your pharmacist for a consult to help you stave off the flu.”

2. Does it seem like you’re underwater?

“A stuffy nose and head are symptoms of the common cold, brought about by inflammation of the sinuses. You can erase the symptoms of a common cold, such as stuffy nose and sore throat, by eating well, resting up, taking an anti-inflammatory, sipping water, and exercising gently.”

3. Are your respiratory issues in your head and chest, or lower?

“If your symptoms are manifesting in your head and neck, then you’ve likely got the common cold. While these symptoms can feel awful, they’re not as bad as those experienced when you have the flu. Flu symptoms tend to be lower respiratory infections.”

4. Do you have a headache? 

“While a stuffy nose can occasionally cause headache, a headache can be a symptom in itself – of a flu. Headache pain across your forehead and in the temples combined with a fever can indicate the flu, and you should visit a doctor or your pharmacist if you have these symptoms.”

5. Feeling lethargic? 

“It could be the flu. Chills and fatigue or weakness are symptoms of the flu and you should visit a doctor or pharmacist if you have them. However, the common cold can be treated at home if your symptoms are only sneezing, sore throat or a stuffy nose (i.e. above the neck).”

You might also like:

This is the simplest way to avoid getting sick 

How to protect your family against the common cold this winter 

How to tell if you're sick enough to take the day off work 

  • Health
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

The best diets of 2020 have been named

The best diets of 2020 have been named

Living by the water makes you healthier, happier and calmer

Living by the water makes you healthier, happier and calmer

Research reveals 30-year-olds get the worst hangovers

Research reveals 30-year-olds get the worst hangovers

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

{headline}

{headline}

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

The 4 most common Christmas injuries

The 4 most common Christmas injuries

Women sleep better with their dog beside them

Women sleep better with their dog beside them

{headline}

{headline}

Poisoning by essential oils is on the rise

Poisoning by essential oils is on the rise

Dangerous superbugs found in makeup and popular makeup sponge

Dangerous superbugs found in makeup and popular makeup sponge

Study reveals people with glasses are usually more intelligent

Study reveals people with glasses are usually more intelligent

 Choc chip cookies not only delicious, but addictive, says study

Choc chip cookies not only delicious, but addictive, says study

Health tips for coping with smoke haze

Health tips for coping with smoke haze

People are now catching eyelash lice

People are now catching eyelash lice

Science proves ‘hangry’ is a real emotional condition

Science proves ‘hangry’ is a real emotional condition

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription