Aussie flu symptoms? Three signs you have the deadly virus and not a cold
AUSSIE flu symptoms have been described as similar to normal flu but more severe, but how can you tell you haven’t just got a cold?
Doctor explains how a flu shot can help prevent Aussie flu
Aussie flu has infected thousands of people across the UK, and the number of cases continues to rise, Public Health England has warned.
A new report produced by the health body today revealed almost 600 people were hospitalised for flu last week, with 17 confirmed flu-related deaths.
The influenza virus and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, because but they’re caused by different viruses they have subtle changes in their symptoms.
There are three things to look out for to differentiate between whether you have a cold or flu - and one of them involves a quick test.
Aussie flu symptoms: Do you have the virus or is it a cold?
There are three things to look out for to differentiate between whether you have a cold or flu - and one of them involves a quick test
How quickly symptoms develop
The first different to note, according to Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, is flu symptoms usually develop very quickly, whereas the symptoms of a cold usually develop over one or two days.
Symptoms of a cold and flu
Both share some of the same symptoms - a runny or blocked nose, a sore throat and a cough.
But symptoms of a cold can also involve sneezing, whereas symptoms of flu can include a suffer fever (above 38C), a heave, chills, tiredness and aching muscles.
Aussie flu symptoms are considered the same as normal flu but more severe
Aussie flu symptoms: How quickly symptoms develop is one sign
The £20 note test
Dr Ranj Singh suggests using a £20 note to help you determine the difference.
He told Mirror Online: “A silly test to differentiate between cold and fu would be to leave a £20 note on the floor
“The person with a cold will pick up the money, but the person with the flu won’t even care that it’s there.”
Aussie flu symptoms: The flu and cold share some symptoms but the flu often involves a fever
If you think you may have Aussie flu, you’re advised to stay at home and drink plenty of fluids.
See a GP if you’re over 65, are pregnant, or have an underlying health condition.
But if you’re yet to catch it, how can you prevent getting it?