Colds vs. Flu vs. COVID-19: What’s the Difference in 2025?

 


With cold and flu season around the corner and COVID-19 still a concern, many Australians find themselves wondering: How can I tell if I have a common cold, the flu, or COVID-19? While these illnesses share similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses and may require different treatments or precautions.

Knowing the differences can help you decide when to book a telehealth appointment seek an online doctor, or get a medical certificate if you need to stay home.

What is a Common Cold?

The common cold is one of the most frequent illnesses people experience, especially during the colder months. It’s caused by many different viruses—more than 200 types—but the most common culprit is the rhinovirus. Because there are so many different viruses that cause colds, it’s possible to catch colds multiple times a year.

Colds usually develop slowly, with symptoms starting off mild and gradually getting worse over a few days. Typical symptoms include:

  • Runny or stuffy nose: Your nose produces more mucus to help trap and flush out viruses, which can make you feel congested or cause a runny nose.
  • Sneezing: This helps clear your nasal passages but can also spread the virus to others.
  • Sore throat: Often one of the first signs, caused by irritation from mucus draining down the back of your throat.
  • Mild cough: Your body’s way of clearing mucus or irritants from your airways.
  • Slight fatigue: You may feel a bit tired or less energetic than usual, but this is generally mild.

Unlike the flu or COVID-19, a cold usually does not cause high fever, severe body aches, or breathing difficulties. The symptoms are uncomfortable but generally not serious.

Most people recover from a cold within 7 to 14 days. During this time, you can take care of yourself by:

  • Getting plenty of rest to help your immune system fight the virus
  • Drinking fluids like water, herbal teas, or broth to stay hydrated and soothe your throat
  • Using over-the-counter remedies such as decongestants or pain relievers to reduce symptoms if needed
  • Avoiding irritants like smoke or strong smells that could worsen your symptoms

Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics won’t help. The best approach is to manage symptoms and prevent spreading the virus to others by washing your hands regularly and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

If your symptoms worsen or last longer than two weeks, or if you develop a high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, it’s important to see a doctor or book a telehealth appointment with an online doctor for proper diagnosis and care.

What is the Flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It’s generally more serious than the common cold and can cause significant discomfort and complications. Unlike colds, flu symptoms usually start suddenly and can hit you hard.

Common Symptoms of the Flu

People with the flu often experience several of the following symptoms:

  • High fever: This can come on quickly and sometimes reach 38–40°C (100–104°F). Fever is your body’s way of fighting off the virus but can leave you feeling very unwell.
  • Body aches and muscle pain: Intense soreness or aching in muscles and joints is very common with the flu, often making it hard to move or get out of bed.
  • Chills and sweats: You might feel cold and shivery one minute, then suddenly start sweating as your fever rises and falls.
  • Headache: A persistent, often severe headache is common during the flu.
  • Fatigue and weakness: Feeling extremely tired and weak is typical and can last for weeks, even after other symptoms improve.
  • Dry cough: A persistent cough that can be irritating but usually doesn’t produce much mucus.
  • Sore throat: Though less common than with a cold, a sore throat can still occur.

Why is the Flu More Serious?

While many people recover from the flu without problems, it can cause serious complications, especially for certain groups, including:

  • Older adults (65+)
  • Young children and infants
  • Pregnant women
  • People with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems

Complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, worsening of existing health problems, or in severe cases, hospitalization and even death.

How to Protect Yourself

Because the flu can be serious, health experts in Australia strongly recommend annual flu vaccinations. These vaccines are updated every year to match the most common strains of influenza circulating that season. Getting vaccinated helps reduce your risk of catching the flu and also lessens the severity if you do get sick.

Other ways to protect yourself include:

  • Washing your hands regularly
  • Avoiding close contact with sick people
  • Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
  • Staying home if you feel unwell to avoid spreading the virus

What to Do if You Have the Flu

If you think you have the flu, it’s important to:

  • Rest and drink plenty of fluids
  • Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms
  • Monitor your symptoms closely, especially if you belong to a higher-risk group

If your symptoms worsen, you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, or high fever that doesn’t respond to medication, you should seek medical care immediately. You can also book a telehealth appointment with an online doctor who can assess your symptoms, provide advice, and send prescriptions online if needed.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2, which first appeared in late 2019 and quickly became a global pandemic. Since then, it has affected millions worldwide and remains a key public health concern in 2025. COVID-19 mainly spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely. Some people have mild symptoms or none at all, while others experience severe illness. Common symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills: This is often one of the first signs of infection.
  • Dry cough: A persistent cough without mucus is typical.
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing: This can be serious and is a sign to seek medical help immediately.
  • Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired, even after rest.
  • Loss of taste or smell: This symptom is quite unique to COVID-19 and helps differentiate it from colds or flu.
  • Muscle or body aches: Similar to flu symptoms, but can be more intense.
  • Sore throat: Common but not always present.
  • Congestion or runny nose: Can resemble a cold.
  • Headache: Often persistent and can be severe.

Some people may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Why is COVID-19 Different?

COVID-19 can cause more than just respiratory symptoms. It may affect multiple organs including the lungs, heart, brain, and kidneys. This is why it can be more dangerous than a common cold or flu, especially for older adults, people with chronic conditions, or weakened immune systems.

Because COVID-19 spreads easily and quickly, testing is important if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone infected. Testing helps confirm if you have the virus, so you can take the right precautions and avoid spreading it to others.

What to Do if You Suspect COVID-19?

  • Get tested: COVID-19 tests are widely available across Australia.
  • Follow isolation guidelines: Stay home and avoid contact with others until you get your test results and follow local health authority advice.
  • Monitor your symptoms: If you have trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face, seek emergency medical help immediately.
  • Use telehealth services: You can book a telehealth appointment with an web doctor for advice without leaving home. Many telehealth providers can also offer online prescriptions if medication is needed.
  • Request a medical certificate: If you need time off work or school, you can get a doctors certificate online after your telehealth consult.

Prevention in 2025

Vaccination remains the best way to protect against severe COVID-19 illness. Alongside vaccines, continue practicing good hygiene like frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded places when advised, and keeping physical distance when necessary.

How to Tell Them Apart in 2025?

  • Symptom onset: Cold symptoms develop gradually, flu symptoms come on quickly, and COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely.
  • Loss of taste or smell: More common and distinctive with COVID-19.
  • Severity: Flu and COVID-19 tend to cause more severe illness than a cold.
  • Testing: COVID-19 requires specific testing, which is widely available in Australia. Flu testing is less common but available in some clinics.
  • Vaccines: COVID-19 and flu vaccines help protect against severe illness, but there’s no vaccine for the common cold.

When to See an Online Doctor

If you’re unsure about your symptoms or need advice, you can book a telehealth appointment with an online doctor. This is a safe and convenient way to get expert care from home. They can:

  • Assess your symptoms
  • Recommend tests if needed
  • Provide escript online for medications
  • Issue a doctors certificate online if you need time off work or school

Tips for Prevention in 2025

  • Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines on time
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Wear a mask in crowded places if recommended
  • Stay home if you’re sick and use telehealth services for medical care
  • Practice good respiratory hygiene (cover coughs and sneezes)

Final Thoughts

While colds, flu, and COVID-19 share similar symptoms, knowing the differences can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and others. In 2025, telehealth services make it easier than ever to access medical care quickly—whether you need an instant consult, medical certificate, or prescriptions online.

Stay safe and take care of your health!

 

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