Cough: COVID-19, flu, cold, RSV, or allergies – how to tell difference?

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

During the winter and early spring in Australia, coughs frequently occur due to various viruses and allergies. COVID-19, the flu, colds, RSV, and allergies can exhibit similar symptoms, which may lead to confusion. Knowing the distinct characteristics of each can help you determine whether to rest, get tested, or consult a GP. For immediate assistance, online services such as Hola Health can be beneficial.

COVID-19 vs flu vs cold vs RSV vs allergies

Condition	Type of cough	Other key symptoms	Onset speed	Contagious?	Typical duration
COVID-19	Usually dry, persistent	Fever, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, and sometimes loss of taste or smell	Moderate	Yes	Several days to weeks
Flu	Dry or chesty, often severe	Sudden high fever, body aches, chills, fatigue	Very sudden	Yes	1–2 weeks
Common cold	Mild dry or slightly wet	Sneezing, runny nose, sore throat	Gradual	Yes	3–10 days
RSV	Dry or wet; can be wheezy	Congestion and exhaustion; in children, breathing problems	Gradual to moderate	Yes	1–2 weeks
Allergies	Dry, tickly	Itchy eyes, sneezing, blocked or runny nose	Immediately after exposure	No	Weeks to months (seasonal)

COVID-19 cough symptoms

COVID-19 coughs are often dry, persistent, and can make breathing feel uncomfortable.
Other symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue and body aches
• Loss of taste or smell (less common now)
• Sore throat
  or runny nose

When it is common in Australia

COVID-19 is present throughout the year and can surge at any time.

When to see a GP:

See a GP if:

• You have trouble breathing
• You’re older, pregnant, or have chronic conditions
• Your symptoms are severe or worsening

Flu (influenza) cough symptoms

Flu-related coughs can be dry or filled with mucus and often cause sharp or uncomfortable chest irritation.

Other common symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever
• Body aches and chills
• Extreme tiredness

When it is common in Australia

Flu cases peak during winter (June–September).

Cold cough symptoms

Cough features:

• Usually mild
• Dry or slightly wet
• Often appears later in the illness

Other symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

Australian note:

Colds occur year-round in Australia but are more common during winter.

RSV cough symptoms

In adults:

RSV symptoms in adults are usually mild but can be more severe in older individuals.

• Dry or wet cough
• Fatigue
• Congestion
• More common in older adults

In children:

RSV can be more serious in children, especially infants.

• Barky or wheezy cough
• Breathing difficulty
• Poor feeding (babies)

Australian context:

RSV activity has increased across Australia in recent years.

• RSV has been increasing in recent years, especially in the winter and spring seasons

Allergy cough symptoms

Cough features:

Allergy-related coughs are caused by irritation rather than infection.

• Dry, tickly
• Caused by throat irritation, not infection

Other symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Runny or blocked nose
• No fever

Common Australian allergens:

• Spring pollen
• House dust mites
• Mould
• Grass and bushfire smoke irritation (common in summer)

How to tell which illness you have

Symptom breakdown

1. If you have a fever:

Fever is usually linked to viral infections rather than allergies.

• Likely COVID-19, flu, or RSV
• Not allergies

2. If you have itchy eyes:

This symptom strongly points to allergies.

• Likely allergies

3. If symptoms start suddenly:

Sudden onset is a hallmark of influenza.

• Mostly it is the flu

4. If cough persists after infection:

Lingering coughs are common after viral illnesses.

• Could be a post-viral cough from COVID-19, a cold, or RSV

5. If wheezing is present:

Wheezing suggests airway involvement.

• Possibly RSV, asthma flare, or allergies

6. If many people around you are sick:

Widespread illness usually points to a contagious virus.

• Likely a viral illness

When to see a GP or get tested

Seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
• High fever
• Chest pain
• Pregnancy or a compromised immune system
• Uncertainty between COVID-19 and the flu
• RSV concerns in babies or the elderly

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health provides convenient access to medical care for respiratory symptoms.

• Online GP assessment for cough symptoms
• Prescriptions (antivirals, inhalers, allergy medications)
• Telehealth medical certificate if illness impacts work
• Advice on testing (COVID-19, flu, or RSV)
• Follow-up care if symptoms worsen