Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Cold or flu? (infographic)

How can you tell if you have a cold or the flu? Explore this infographic to compare their symptoms, debunk the most common myths and learn more about the flu vaccine.

Download this infographic in PDF format to print it

Click to check your colds and flu symptoms

Read the embedded text separately

More information

Learn more about the different types of colds and flu viruses and the medicines that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms.

If you are still concerned about your cold or flu, why not use healthdirect's online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.

Share this infographic on your site

Copy and paste the code in this box into your page editor to embed this infographic on your website or blog.

Healthdirect Australia’s terms of use apply to your use of this infographic widget.

Last reviewed: June 2016

Related Pages

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Found 124 results

Teen Health - Health Topics - Influenza - the flu

Many people are unsure whether they have a cold or influenza (the flu). The flu is quite different to a cold. It lasts longer and people are usually much more unwell with it. The flu is caused by a few slightly different types of influenza viruses, while colds are caused by many different viruses.

Read more on Women's and Children's Health Network website

Cold and flu

The common cold is not the same as flu (influenza). Find out more about cold and flu, including symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Read more on WA Health website

Flu (influenza)

Flu (influenza) is a common, highly contagious virus that affects your respiratory system. It is not the same as the common cold.

Read more on WA Health website

Parenting and Child Health - Health Topics - Influenza

Many people are unsure whether they have a cold or influenza (the flu). The flu is quite different to a cold. It lasts longer and people are usually much more unwell with it. The flu is caused by a few slightly different types of influenza viruses, while colds are caused by many different viruses.

Read more on Women's and Children's Health Network website

Colds and flu in babies and children

Here is information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of coughs, colds and flu in children and babies and when to seek medical advice.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Influenza

Influenza is an infection caused by a virus. It is spread from person to person by tiny drops produced during a cough or sneeze and by hand to hand contact. While we often call it the “flu”, the common cold is rarely due to the influenza virus. True influenza causes a much more severe illness than the usual cold.

Read more on Lung Foundation Australia website

Cold and flu during pregnancy

When you are pregnant you need to be careful how you treat cold or flu as it can effect your unborn baby and if you are considering pregnancy or are already pregnant, it is recommended that you have the flu vaccination to help protect you and your baby.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Demazin Cold and Flu Tablets - myDr.com.au

Demazin Cold and Flu Tablets - Consumer Medicines Information leaflets of prescription and over-the-counter medicines

Read more on myDr – Consumer Medicine Information website

Nurofen Cold and Flu Tablets - myDr.com.au

Nurofen Cold and Flu Tablets - Consumer Medicines Information leaflets of prescription and over-the-counter medicines

Read more on myDr – Consumer Medicine Information website

Kids' Health - Topics - Colds and flu

There are over 200 viruses (germs) that can give you a cold, so you have to be really lucky to escape!

Read more on Women's and Children's Health Network website
Check your symptoms Find a health service

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice and information you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo
Feedback