Sick again? When to ride it out, and when to see a doctor

The cooler weather is here and while this is a relief after a long, hot summer and autumn, it also means the cold and flu season is back. Winter is the peak time for the sniffles, which can lead to unwelcome viral upper respiratory tract infections, colds and flus. 

Interestingly, the cold and flu season is when you spend the most time indoors with other people, so for people in the tropics, their cold and flu season is the rainy season. 

Why we can get sick more than once a year

A 2021 global study found there were 162,485 cases of upper respiratory tract infections for every 100,000 people. Sounds like a lot, right? That’s because most of us get more than one each year. In fact, it’s estimated that adults typically catch 2 to 4 upper respiratory tract infections a year, and kids tend to get even more, often passing them on to their parents.

There are hundreds of different viruses linked to the symptoms we know as colds. The majority of colds are caused by more than 160 types of rhinoviruses, and while infection by a particular type of rhinovirus usually means you build immunity to it, it doesn’t provide immunity for other types. Unfortunately, there is always another strain you could catch. 

The seasonal flu is typically caused by infections from influenza A or B virus strains. Annual vaccines are formulated to protect against the most prevalent strains each year, though they may not cover every strain that’s out there. 

We explore the symptoms and differences between colds and flus here, even though both are generally considered mild to moderate illnesses. 

When it’s likely OK to ride it out

You’ve done all you can to avoid getting sick (see suggestions on preventing illness here), and you still feel yourself coming down with something. Aside from stocking up with tissues, what do you do?

Colds will often start with a sore throat for a day or two. They can then develop into a runny nose and sneezing, followed by nasal congestion, a hoarse voice and coughing. In the early stages, you may get headaches, a mild fever, ache and pains, and malaise (a general feeling of weakness or unwellness). The symptoms are usually the worst around days 2 to 4, and most symptoms resolve in 7 to 10 days, although the cough can continue and linger for a few weeks.  

Despite feeling unpleasant, most people don’t need to go to the doctor for a cold and can manage at home. Prescribing antibiotics for colds is ineffective, as they don’t treat viral infections, and doing so contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and can result in potential side effects. There are no effective antiviral treatments for rhinoviruses, which cause 50-80% of the colds we encounter.  

The recommended treatment for colds is to manage the symptoms as they occur. This could include gargles, lozenges and sprays for the sore throat, medicated or saline nasal sprays for the stuffy nose, and possibly antihistamines for the sneezing. 

It’s the same approach for the flu — focus on easing the symptoms. However, symptoms like fever, aches and pains, or headaches are more common with the flu than with a cold. . These can be managed with pain relief medications such as paracetamol/ibuprofen. 

While you’re unwell, you can help your recovery by resting and staying hydrated. While research on the benefits of comfort television remains limited, it represents a promising area for further investigation.

When it’s time to see a doctor

Although colds and flus typically resolve on their own and you may prefer to stay home, there are circumstances where you'll need to see a doctor. 

People who have a suppressed immune system are more likely to get more severe symptoms and should seek medical advice earlier than people who are in typical health. This includes people who are:

• Pregnant
• Over 65 years old
• Under 5 years
• Have chronic lung disease like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Have chronic heart or kidney disease, or a metabolic condition like diabetes
• Have a haematological disorder or malignancy (like leukaemia or lymphoma)
• Have a condition that requires treatment that affects the immune system 
• Are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

If this sounds like you, you may want to have a plan in place for what to do when you get sick. 

In the case of an influenza infection, antiviral medications may be offered to those at risk of more severe outcomes, though they are not usually prescribed for healthy people aged 5 to 65 years. Antiviral medications work best when given to those at high risk of complications and in the 48 hours after first getting symptoms.

If you have any concerns about your symptoms, or if your symptoms are not improving after 2 days or so, you may want to see your doctor. It’s important to note that a cough can linger for weeks, with 35% of adults and 10% of children still experiencing a cough after 3 weeks. If it lingers longer, you should check in with your doctor.

There are some symptoms that may be associated with more severe illness, regardless of whether you are immunosuppressed or not. If you have any of these, you should see your doctor urgently:

• If you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, it could indicate a serious complication such as pneumonia or a worsening of conditions like asthma or COPD. These symptoms require immediate medical attention, as they may signal a medical emergency
• If you have trouble swallowing, eating or drinking. A sore throat can be uncomfortable, but if it hurts to swallow it may be a sign of another infection, like pharyngitis or tonsilitis 
• If you have an intense headache or neck stiffness 
• If you have signs of dehydration 
• If you are vomiting often
• If you develop a rash

Visiting the doctor? Ask about any precautions you should take to help protect others while you're there. You can also speak to an Australian registered doctor within 15 minutes at Hola by Healthylife. 

What will a doctor look for?

If you see your doctor, they will likely discuss your symptoms and experience. While most colds and flus are mild, complications may arise and these can include middle ear infections, sinusitis, pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections, or exacerbation of asthma or COPD. 

Your doctor will likely check your temperature, check your throat and ears, and check your breathing, by listening to your chest with a stethoscope. 

They may arrange a throat swab to identify what virus is causing your symptoms. Additionally, they may arrange other tests depending on your symptoms. 

The bottom line

Catching colds or flu is a normal part of life, though there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. While these illnesses can leave you feeling miserable for a few days, they typically improve within about a week, and most people recover without needing to see a doctor. Be gentle with yourself—rest, stay hydrated with warm drinks, keep tissues handy, and take it easy. 

However, if your symptoms worsen or you're worried about how you're feeling, it's important to reach out to your doctor for advice.

Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board July 2025.