It can be hard to tell whether you have the flu or a common cold, especially during Melbourne’s cold and flu season. Both can cause a runny nose, sore throat, cough and tiredness, but the flu is more likely to come on suddenly and make you feel much more unwell.
If you are worried about flu symptoms in Cheltenham, or you are at higher risk of complications, it may be time to speak with a GP. You can book a GP appointment to get advice based on your symptoms, age and health history.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
A cold is usually milder and often affects the nose, throat and upper airways. Symptoms can include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and mild cough.
The flu, also called influenza, is usually more intense. It can cause sudden fever, chills, body aches, headache, tiredness, sore throat and cough. Some people recover after a few days, but others can become seriously unwell. The Australian Centre for Disease Control says flu can cause mild to severe illness, and some people are at greater risk of becoming severely unwell. (cdc.gov.au)
Common flu symptoms
Flu symptoms can vary, but they may include:
- fever or chills
- body aches
- headache
- tiredness or weakness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or blocked nose
- shortness of breath
- vomiting or diarrhoea, especially in children
Better Health Channel describes influenza as a highly contagious virus that causes widespread illness every year. It also notes that immunisation and prevention measures are the best ways to protect against flu and reduce influenza infections and deaths. (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
When should you see a GP for flu symptoms?
You should consider seeing a GP if your symptoms are severe, not improving, or you are in a higher-risk group.
This includes people who are:
- aged 65 years and over
- pregnant
- very young children
- living with chronic health conditions
- immunocompromised
- experiencing breathing difficulty
- getting worse after initially improving
- worried about dehydration
- unsure whether symptoms are flu, COVID-19, RSV or another respiratory illness
If you feel very unwell, have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, or symptoms that feel urgent, seek emergency medical care.
For non-emergency symptoms, you can check with the clinic before attending, especially if you may be contagious.
Is the flu worse than a cold?
Often, yes. A cold is usually milder, while the flu can cause more severe symptoms and complications. Safer Care Victoria explains that a cold affects the nose, throat and upper airways, while influenza is caused by more severe viruses. (safercare.vic.gov.au)
Flu can also be more serious for babies, young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. That is why flu prevention in Cheltenham is important before winter.
Can a flu vaccine help prevent severe illness?
Yes. Flu vaccination is one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
If you have not had your 2026 flu vaccine yet, you can book a seasonal influenza vaccine before or during winter.
Who is more at risk of flu complications?
Who is more at risk of flu complications?
Some people are more likely to become seriously unwell from influenza, including young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with certain medical conditions.
In Victoria, some people are eligible for a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program, including children aged 6 months to under 5 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people aged 65 years and over, and people with certain medical risk conditions. (health.vic.gov.au)
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, ask during your GP appointment.
What should you do if you have symptoms on the day of your flu vaccine appointment?
If you have fever, flu-like symptoms, or feel very unwell on the day of your vaccine appointment, call the clinic before attending. The team can advise whether you should come in, reschedule, or book a GP consult instead.
You can contact the clinic if you are unsure what to do.
Where can I book a flu vaccine in Cheltenham?
You can book a flu vaccine appointment with BAYMED Medical Centre & Skin Cancer Clinic in Cheltenham. A GP can also help if you are unsure whether your symptoms are from a cold, flu or another respiratory illness.
