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Key takeaways
- Cold and flu are common in Australia and can cause serious illness in some people.
- Flu vaccinations are available every year and are designed to protect against the most common strains that season.
- Knowing when to seek help from your doctor could prevent your illness from becoming more serious.
Despite an exceptionally high number of flu cases in Australia, flu vaccination rates are dropping.1 Depending on your age and overall health, a common cold or an influenza infection could have serious and even fatal consequences.
Learn more about when it’s time to seek medical help with a cold or the flu.
If you've been struck down by cold or flu symptoms, it could be hard to know when to see a doctor.
Cold and flu are viral infections that generally get better with time and rest at home.
If you're unsure, your GP is there to examine you, give advice, investigate and treat as needed.
As a GP, we're available for in-person consultations, and we can also do consultations via telehealth where suitable.
Telehealth is a safe and convenient way to check in with your local GP.
If you're unsure whether to attend in person, please give your local clinic a call and they can give you guidance.
Generally, with a common cold, you can expect to have symptoms for a few days.
With influenza, it can last longer with more severe symptoms like a high-grade fever, body aches, headache and fatigue.
A respiratory swab can be really helpful at the GP clinic to help differentiate between the two.
There are times when you shouldn't wait to see your GP.
If you or someone you're caring for is experiencing severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, was very unwell, please go straight to your local emergency department.
This cold and flu season, please remember your GP is here to help.
You can speak to your GP in person or via telehealth, and if in doubt, please call your local practice who can give you advice.
I'll see you next time.
Colds and flu in Australia
Colds and the flu are common in Australia.2 While the common cold is less severe than an influenza infection, they are both viral respiratory conditions and share some similar symptoms, despite being caused by different viruses.
Both illnesses commonly cause a sore throat, a cough and fatigue.
The more serious of the 2, influenza often causes aches and pains, a high fever and a headache, whereas a cold is more likely to come with a runny nose and sneezing.
The flu also tends to last longer than a cold and can lead to potentially life-threatening complications in some people, including babies and young children, the elderly and those living with chronic health conditions.
For most healthy adults, a common cold will last anywhere from a week to 10 days.3 With the flu, it can take up to 2 weeks or more to feel less fatigued.4
Treatments for cold and flu
Every year, a flu vaccination is available that will help reduce your risk of infection and lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. Ask your GP or pharmacist about how to access the flu vaccine.
Because both the common cold and influenza are viral infections, antibiotics will not be effective as they are designed to treat bacterial infections. Anti-viral medication can be prescribed by your doctor if you are eligible and at risk of serious complications.
Both conditions respond well to lots of rest, plenty of fluids and good nutrition.
Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to ease symptoms such as body aches and fevers.
Cold and flu medication available at the chemist is also designed to treat specific symptoms. Find out which cold and flu medications are most effective.
When to seek help from a doctor
While most healthy adults will recover from a cold or the flu without having to seek medical help, in some cases, it’s very important to see your doctor.
A telehealth appointment with your GP is a good way to check in and get some advice, while not leaving home and exposing others to your illness, or putting yourself at risk of additional infection. It may also be less stressful for your body, especially if you are suffering with fatigue.
“Start with telehealth,” says Bupa GP Dr Janice Tan. “It's quicker, safer and just as effective for most presentations. Your GP will tell you if you need to come in.”
If your doctor thinks an in-person consultation is necessary, wear a mask and let the receptionist know your symptoms as soon as you arrive, as they may be able to offer you an isolated room where you can wait.
“In-person is sometimes necessary,” says Janice. “In person, your doctor can listen to your chest and check your ears. They may also want to rule out a possible complication, such as pneumonia. In-person is always best if you're seriously unwell and need immediate assessment.”
When to seek emergency help
If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, Janice says to seek medical help immediately:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. This is urgent, don't wait!
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Confusion, severe headache, stiff neck, or sensitivity to light (potential meningitis signs).
- High fever that doesn't come down with paracetamol/ibuprofen, or a fever lasting more than 3–4 days.
- Symptoms that initially improve but then suddenly get worse, this can signal a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia or sinusitis.
- You're in a high-risk group: over 65, pregnant, immunocompromised, or have a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
- Severe dehydration signalled by inability to keep fluids down, no urine output, extreme dizziness.
- Flu in children: seek help if they're very lethargic, struggling to breathe, not drinking fluids, or if a fever returns after improving.
“If in doubt, call your GP. That's what they're there for.”
Go to your local hospital emergency department or dial triple zero (000) in an emergency.
Help stop the flu before it starts
A vaccination is your best defence this flu season.
Blua Digital health by Bupa
Blua is Bupa’s new home for digital health services like online doctor appointments and delivery of prescription items and over-the-counter goods.
At Bupa, trust is everything
Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.
This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.
1 Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025, October 20). Australia posts recordbreaking flu numbers as vaccination rates stall [Media release]. RACGP.
2 Queensland Health. (2024). How to tell the difference between a cold and influenza. Queensland Government.
3 Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Common cold.
4 Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2026). Influenza.
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