Colds, Flu, and Everything in Between – What’s the Difference?

As the seasons change, so do the sniffles, but how do you tell if it’s just a pesky cold or something more serious like the flu? Let’s break it down:

🌬️ Cold:

Feels annoying but won’t knock you out.
Symptoms: Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and a cough.
No fever? Then it’s likely just a cold! Rest up, hydrate, and let your immune system do the work.

🔥 Influenza (Seasonal Flu):

Hits hard and fast with a fever over 38°C, a headache, and a cough.
Feels like your body’s staging a dramatic protest!
For those with underlying conditions (e.g. lung or heart issues) or aged 65+, seasonal flu can be more serious, so consider getting vaccinated.

🐦 Avian Flu (Bird Flu):

A rare guest that prefers birds over humans.
Close contact with infected birds? Take precautions, but the risk to humans remains very low.

🌎 Pandemic Flu:

The wild card of the flu world, emerging unexpectedly and affecting large populations.
No resistance, more severe symptoms, but antivirals and vaccines (when developed) can help.

What Should You Do?

Colds: Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter meds. No need to bother your GP unless it’s worse than usual.
Flu: Seek help if you’re feeling very unwell or have concerning symptoms like difficulty breathing or confusion.