Posted on 06 Aug 2026
When a winter cough is more than just a winter cough
Senior Legal Counsel and Senior Practice Leader
Senior Associate
As the colder months settle in across Australia, coughs, colds and respiratory infections become an all-too-familiar part of winter. For most people, a lingering cough is simply the result of a virus or seasonal illness that gradually improves with time.
However, for some Australians, particularly those who have worked with or around asbestos in the past, persistent respiratory symptoms can occasionally point to something more serious.
Mesothelioma symptoms versus winter cough
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, often decades earlier. One of the challenges with mesothelioma is that its early symptoms can be quite non-specific. A persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fatigue may easily be mistaken for a lingering winter illness or chest infection. In some cases, people may even be treated with antibiotics before further investigations reveal an underlying asbestos-related disease.
What are the common symptoms of mesothelioma?
The most common mesothelioma symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath (breathlessness), chest pain or chest tightness, fatigue, and sometimes unexplained weight loss or fever-like symptoms. For pleural mesothelioma, fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) can cause breathing difficulties and chest discomfort. These mesothelioma symptoms often overlap with winter respiratory illnesses, which is why medical assessment is important when they linger.
This doesn't mean every cough is cause for concern—far from it. But if symptoms persist, worsen, or simply don't seem to fit the usual pattern of a winter illness, it's worth returning to your GP for further assessment.
This is particularly important for people who have worked in industries such as construction, manufacturing, power generation, shipbuilding, mining, plumbing, electrical trades, or those who may have been exposed to asbestos through home renovations or secondary exposure from a family member's work clothing. Early investigation can help identify the cause of ongoing symptoms, whether that turns out to be an infection, another respiratory condition, or something requiring specialist care.
How we can help
At Slater and Gordon, for the past 40 years, we've supported Australians affected by asbestos-related diseases for many years. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition, we're here to provide clear information, compassionate guidance and practical support.
This winter, listen to your body. Most coughs will simply pass but if yours doesn't, it's worth asking the question.
The contents of this blog post are considered accurate as at the date of publication. However the applicable laws may be subject to change, thereby affecting the accuracy of the article. The information contained in this blog post is of a general nature only and is not specific to anyone’s personal circumstances. Please seek legal advice before acting on any of the information contained in this post.