Flu season is well and truly on its way, and knowing the signs and symptoms of a cold and the flu can help you treat them faster.
Why does my throat get sore when I’ve got the cold or the flu?
A sore throat is often the very first symptom of a cold or flu because your body’s immune system is fighting off an infection from a virus.
It can feel painful to talk or to swallow, and if your child has a sore throat, they may eat less than usual because of the pain.
What are some other signs of cold and the flu?
While cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of the flu, they do crossover.
Some other signs of the cold and flu can be1:
- A headache
- Fatigue or feeling run down
- A cough
It’s important to note that the symptoms of the flu are generally more severe and can last longer than cold symptoms.
The severity of the symptoms can also vary depending on your age, so keep an eye on your little ones and the older members of your family.
How can I soothe my sore throat?
While there’s no way to cure a sore throat that’s caused by a virus, many sore throats will get better without treatment in two to seven days2.
However, some people rely on these self-care remedies including:
- Eating soft foods, like ice cream (as a treat!), jelly, yoghurt or soup
- Resting
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
How Difflam can help
If you’re finding that the self-care remedies aren’t doing the trick, there are over-the-counter medicines that can help, including lozenges.
Difflam Sore Throat Dual Action Anti-inflammatory + Antibacterial Strawberry Lozenges 32 Pack have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory formula that can provide fast and soothing relief for a sore throat.
The anti-inflammatory action reduces swelling and inflammation, which is a cause of sore throat pain, and the antibacterial action kills bacteria, which can cause throat and mouth infections.
It also comes in a tasty honey flavour, is sugar-free and provides relief for up to three hours, giving you plenty of time to help your sore throat recover.
Visit your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacy today to get the relief you need for your sore throat today.
References:
1Queensland Health, How to tell the difference between a cold and influenza, accessed 24 April 2025
2Healthdirect, Sore throat (pharyngitis), accessed 24 April 2025