Important Note: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
An SBS news story last week revealed that more than 410,000 lab-confirmed cases of the flu were recorded in Australia in 2025. According to the RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners), that figure has risen from 365,000 in 2024. This equates to about 1.5% of the Australian population, or roughly 1,525 lab-confirmed cases per 100,000 people.
These statistics are quite concerning. That’s because the flu, or influenza, is more than just a bad cold. It can actually make you feel very unwell and, in some cases, lead to serious health issues or even death. According to the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, around 18,000 hospitalisations and 3500 deaths are linked to the flu every year in Australia.
To reduce your risk of the flu, it is important to understand what the flu is, how it differs from a cold, and how it progresses. You’ll then be in a better position to take the most appropriate actions if you catch it.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Often simply referred to as the flu, it is caused by the influenza A and B viruses.
This condition is more severe than a common cold. The flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat, and fatigue. A yearly vaccination can be an effective way to prevent it.
Both colds and the flu are respiratory illnesses. However, the main difference between them is that they are caused by different viruses.
Colds are extremely common and can result from any one of over 200 viruses. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines available for them. By contrast, the flu is caused by the influenza virus, and its symptoms and consequences can be much more severe.
If you are suffering from a cold, your symptoms will likely be a runny or stuffy nose and sore throat. But with the flu, they are usually accompanied by body aches, high fever, and intense fatigue.
Key takeaways
The five stages of flu
When you catch the flu, the virus doesn't just suddenly appear and make you sick. It follows a general pattern that moves through different stages.
Knowing these stages can help you recognise what's happening as the virus takes hold in your body. It also helps you to manage your symptoms better, enables your immune system to fight back, and lets you know when you should seek help from one of our AHPRA registered Partner Doctors.
While everyone's experience with the flu can be slightly different, here are five common paths the illness tends to follow.
The incubation period is the time between when you're exposed to the flu virus and when you start to feel symptoms. During this phase, you might not know you are sick. However, the virus has entered your body and is busy multiplying.
Even though you don’t feel unwell, you could already be contagious. This means you can spread the virus to others without realising it.
This stage typically lasts about one to four days, but the average is around two.
This is when the flu announces its arrival. A common cold often builds up slowly. But flu symptoms usually hit suddenly and intensely. For example, you might wake up feeling fine. Then, within a few hours, you feel completely drained.
Some common symptoms that appear at this stage include:
It is possible that you might also start to develop a sore throat or a dry cough around this time.
During this stage, the flu symptoms are at their most severe. Usually, your fever might be at its highest temperature. Your body aches, headaches, and fatigue can also be at their most intense.
You might also have a stuffy or runny nose and a more pronounced cough or sore throat. This is when your body is working hardest to fight off the virus.
Generally speaking, this peak period lasts for about two to three days. However, for some people, it might feel longer. At this time, you'll likely need to rest a lot and stay hydrated.
When you reach this stage, it means your body is winning the fight against the flu. Your fever will likely have broken, and many of your other symptoms will start to improve. The intense body aches and headaches should also lessen. You'll soon begin to feel a bit more energetic.
Even though you're on the mend, it's common for some symptoms, such as a cough and general fatigue, to linger for a week or even longer. This is known as post-flu fatigue, and it's a real part of the recovery process.
Your body has used a lot of energy fighting off the virus. So, it needs time to fully recharge. It's important to listen to your body, continue to rest, and gradually ease back into your normal activities.
Eating well and staying hydrated can also help support your recovery.
This article provides general information about the five stages of flu. But it should not be taken as medical advice. Indeed, most healthy people can recover from the flu at home with rest and fluids. However, it's important to know when to seek medical attention.
It is worth consulting with a healthcare professional if you:
Getting a proper diagnosis and knowledgeable advice on the best course of action can speed up your recovery process.
Updoc is a telehealth service that provides you with 24/7 access to an AHPRA registered Partner Doctor for various needs. These include obtaining medical certificates, prescriptions, and referrals without an in-person appointment.
You can request a consultation through our platform by filling out a questionnaire. You will then be connected with a doctor via phone for a consultation.
You can receive healthcare advice, prescriptions, and other documents electronically. Updoc is particularly useful for people living in remote areas of Australia or those who require after-hours or weekend consultations when their local clinic may be closed.
If you are suffering from the flu or any other condition, you can request a consultation here.
Practical tips for managing the flu
If you contract the flu, how you manage it is important. Here are some practical tips you can employ to help you through the five different stages:
Taking care of yourself and not overdoing things are key to recovering from influenza.
The acute, severe symptoms of the flu typically last for three to seven days. However, a cough and fatigue can linger for a week or two, or even longer for some individuals.
It's possible to get the flu more than once in a single flu season, especially if different strains of the virus are circulating. This is why you might want to consider getting an annual vaccination.
The flu vaccine helps your body build protection against the virus. Ideally, it prevents you from getting sick in the first place. It should also make your illness milder if you do catch it. While it doesn't specifically target ‘stages’ per se, it helps your immune system fight the virus from the outset.
This information is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice as to when to see a doctor. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as your general practitioner (GP) or a specialist, for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Always follow the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
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