Cold and flu myths

Do you know your cold from your flu? Find out about the viruses that cause them, the symptoms and the treatments

'The flu' is just a really bad cold

A cold and the flu (influenza) are caused by very different viruses. The flu is much more severe than a cold. For some people, the flu can lead to serious or even fatal complications, requiring a visit to hospital.

With all the respiratory bugs and conditions floating around, the flu can be difficult for doctors to diagnose.

'I've got the stomach flu!'

Many people mistake digestive problems for the flu. While an upset stomach can affect some people with the flu, it's rarely the main symptom. If you're suffering from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, you probably have another virus, bacteria, or food-poisoning, rather than the flu.

If you go outside in cold, wet weather, you'll catch a cold or the flu

Colds and the flu are more common in the winter because this is the time of year that viruses spread most quickly. It has nothing to do with the weather or climate. However, the weather can affect how easily you may catch something else, like pneumonia.