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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.

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More information

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

Last reviewed: June 2016

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Found 141 results

Cold and Flu | myVMC

Winter brings with it the dreaded season for colds and flus. Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses, which can be classified as type A, B, or C. The common cold is usually caused by rhinoviruses.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

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

Cold and Flu Prevention | myVMC

Cold and flu can be prevented, even during winter. A flu shot helps prevent flu, but there is no vaccine for the common cold so prevention is about a healthy lifestyle and avoiding others infected with colds or influenza.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre 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

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

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 Prevention at Work | myVMC

Cold and flu spread easily in the workplace. Occupational health and safety measures for cold and flu prevention include employees getting a flu shot and infection control measures like hand washing and staying away from work while contagious.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website
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