Flu myths debunked

As flu season approaches, information about the flu and how to prevent it becomes more common. However, not all the advice is accurate.

Knowing the facts about cold and flu might help you reduce the risk of infection, recognise symptoms, and feel more confident to manage them if you become sick.

We spoke with Medibank Chief Medical Officer and psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Wilson and debunked common myths about colds and flu.

Myth 1: The flu is just a bad cold

Although we often talk about them together, colds and flu are different illnesses caused by different viruses.

There are more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold. Like flu, these viruses affect the nose, throat and upper airways. Unlike the flu, there is no vaccine to help prevent common colds.

Symptoms of a cold can include:

• runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• cough
• low grade fever
• sore throat
• tiredness.

Influenza (the flu) is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

Dr Wilson says the flu can be more serious than the common cold because “it causes more severe illness, has a higher risk of serious complications, and results in significantly more hospitalisations (up to approximately 18,000 annually in Australia) as well as deaths, particularly in vulnerable populations.”

Although there are some similarities in symptoms, the flu “can lead to pneumonia and heart complications which the common cold generally does not,” says Dr Wilson.

The symptoms of flu can include:

• fever
• sneezing
• blocked or runny nose
• cough
• sore throat
• headache
• fatigue
• chills
• muscle aches
• joint pain
• diarrhoea
• nausea or vomiting
• appetite loss.

Both viral infections are easily spread by the tiny droplets that people with cold or flu can make when they talk, sneeze or cough. Close contact, such as kissing or handshaking, as well as sharing contaminated surfaces, can also result in infection.

If you think you might be sick with cold or flu, keep your distance from others to help protect them from becoming ill too.
 

READ MORE: How long are you contagious with a cold?

Myth 2: You can catch the flu from the flu vaccine

One of the most persistent myths surrounding the flu is that the flu vaccine can give you the flu. This is not true.

After getting the flu vaccine, it’s not unusual to experience mild side effects such as fever or soreness at the injection site. The vaccine causes an immune response, which teaches your body to respond to the flu virus next time it encounters it. Side effects are usually mild and short-lasting. It is not the same as having the flu.

If you think you might be having a serious side effect, see your doctor immediately. If it's an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

“Many people report no side effects at all, and when side effects do occur, they are typically mild, affect only 10-20% of recipients, and resolve within a few days,” says Dr Wilson. 

The Australian Government has published information about who should get vaccinated against influenza. 

Myth 3: You can catch cold and flu from cold weather

While you can’t ‘catch’ colds or flu from cold weather, more cold and flu infections do occur during the cooler months of the year. 

There are several factors at play here. One is that we spend more time indoors during cold weather, where viruses spread more easily from person to person. 

“What we know from covid around social distancing, when it's cold people huddle together in warm areas and viruses can get spread a lot quicker,” explains Dr Wilson. 

Dr Wilson also notes that “cold air can constrict the blood vessels in your lungs which impairs local immune responses and increases vulnerability to infection.” 

Exposure to the cold can also supress the immune system overall, which has been evidenced by reduced antiviral responses in our bodies at lower temperatures, says Dr Wilson.

In Australia, peak flu season is usually between June and September (our winter). However, flu activity can occur at any time of the year. You should remain vigilant about flu prevention strategies throughout the year, especially if you’re at high risk of complications, or if you are planning to visit an area with ongoing flu activity.

Myth 4: Home remedies can prevent cold and flu

While there’s no shortage of home remedies touted as flu preventatives, from ‘flu bombs’ to elderberry syrup, the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. While some of these remedies may have immune-boosting properties, there’s nothing that can provide complete protection against the viruses that cause cold or flu.

A balanced, nutritious diet is still important for supporting your immune system though, and eating foods that contain immunity-boosting vitamins – along with getting enough sleep and exercising regularly – supports your overall health and wellbeing.

Just remember that the best way to prevent the flu is through a combination of vaccination (if it is right for you), practicing good hygiene – washing hands regularly, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, for example –  and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
 

READ MORE: How to help boost your immune system

Myth 5: Antibiotics can treat cold and flu

Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like colds or flu. Antibiotics cannot treat the flu or speed up your recovery.

“Influenza is caused by a virus, not bacteria, and antibiotics are completely ineffective against viral infections. Using antibiotics inappropriately for influenza might expose patients to unnecessary risks without providing any benefit,” says Dr Wilson.

What’s more, taking antibiotics unnecessarily might potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance, which can make it harder to treat bacterial infections in the future. 

“Antibiotics can have side-effects and across our community, overuse has the potential to lead to the situation that when they are needed, they do not work as well due to resistance,” says Dr Wilson.

Myth 6: 'Man flu'

The idea that men tend to exaggerate their flu symptoms when ill (‘man flu’) has long been of fascination to Western cultures. In recent years, several studies have tried to prove – or disprove – man flu once and for all.

Researchers have examined factors like instances of self-reported respiratory illnesses in men and women, help-seeking behaviour patterns, severity of symptoms, and length of recovery time.

So, is man flu real? While it may be a popular joke, and while some studies have certainly tried to prove it once and for all, there’s still not enough scientific evidence for ‘man flu’ to be considered its own illness just yet.

Spread the facts, not the flu

It’s important to stay informed about colds and flu and to rely on evidence-based information rather than common myths and misconceptions. By understanding these facts, the importance of cold and flu prevention strategies, and the limitations of home remedies, you can take proactive steps to help protect yourself and your community from the spread of cold and flu.

Frequently asked questions

Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?

No. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm or low‑grade fever, which are signs the immune system is responding—not influenza. If you think you might be having a serious side effect, see your doctor immediately. If it's an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

What are the common symptoms of the flu?

Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, cough and runny or blocked nose. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

How does the flu spread?

The flu spreads mainly through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

When should you see a doctor for the flu?

You should see a doctor if you are concerned about your flu symptoms, have a fever over 38 degrees Celsius, have a cough that’s not improving, or if you’re in a high‑risk group for influenza. If you are having difficulty breathing, go to your nearest Emergency Department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

What’s the difference between influenza and COVID‑19 symptoms?

Flu and COVID‑19 share symptoms such as fever, cough and fatigue, but COVID‑19 may also include loss of taste or smell and can have different complications. Testing is the best way to confirm which virus is causing symptoms.