Cold, Flu or COVID? Sorting Out the Sniffles

by Felicia Heah (Health Services Pharmacist) | August 12, 2025 | Pharmacist Advice

Cold, Flu or COVID? Sorting Out the Sniffles

Let’s face it – if you had a dollar for every time, you’ve heard the word ‘COVID’ over the past five years, you’d probably be sipping mocktails on a beach somewhere, instead of Googling “why do I feel so awful?” But sniffles, coughs and fevers don’t clock off – and neither do viruses. Viruses, like Covid and influenza, love to change and adapt and morph so that antibodies you develop against them have trouble recognising them. Camouflage at its viral best!

Whether it’s the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 (yes, it’s still lurking), knowing the difference can help you bounce back faster – and protect the people around you.

So, what’s making you miserable?

Colds, flu, and COVID-19 often show up with similar symptoms: sore throat, cough, fatigue, congestion and sometimes fever. But the details matter:

The common cold: usually mild; colds often cause a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. Fever is rare and symptoms tend to pass within a week.
Influenza (flu): the flu can hit quickly, with high fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and a dry cough. It’s more intense than a cold and can sometimes lead to serious complications like pneumonia.
COVID-19 — Still very much in circulation, COVID shares symptoms with flu but can include loss of taste and/or smell, shortness of breath, and sometimes lingers longer, especially the fatigue.

And just to add to everything, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) has also entered the chat, especially risky for infants, older adults and people with chronic conditions.

When in doubt — test!

The good news is that you don’t have to guess what’s ‘bugging’ you. Home testing kits for both COVID-19 and Influenza A/B are available at WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods stores. A quick swab can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms. If you test positive for influenza or COVID-19, it’s important to speak with a pharmacist or your GP for advice on next steps, especially if you’re feeling very unwell or at higher risk of complications.

Symptom relief — pharmacy to the rescue

No matter which bug has got you down, WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods is stocked with trusted products to help ease your symptoms and support your recovery. Always check with our pharmacist about which product is best for you. Some different products include:

Vicks VapoRub®: a nostalgic favourite for easing congestion and that stuffy “I-can’t-breathe” feeling.
Betadine® Sore Throat Gargle: helps fight bacteria and soothe a scratchy throat.
Duro-Tuss® Cough Liquid: targeted relief whether your cough is dry, chesty, or somewhere in between.
Codral®: for the ‘all-in-one’ approach, Codral Day & Night tackles headaches, nasal congestion, and aches and pains.
Benadryl® Chesty Cough & Nasal Congestion: provides non-drowsy relief for chesty coughs and clearing blocked noses.

Prevention is still the best medicine

Book your flu vaccine or stop by to see us.

What happens when someone near you starts sniffing and sneezing? Avoid close contact and wash your hands and disinfect surfaces regularly. You may also want to ask about supplements or vitamins that help keep your immune system in tip-top shape. We love Arma Force® by Bioceuticals.

The takeaway

Colds, flu and COVID may all start with a sniffle, but the stakes are different – especially for young children, older adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Testing and timely care can make all the difference.

So, if the cough lingers, the body aches, or the thermometer’s rising, chat with one of our friendly, knowledgeable WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods pharmacists or team member. We can help you sort out whether you need symptom relief, a test, a doctor’s visit or a timely jab.

Because the only thing you want to be spreading this season is good vibes, not viruses.