How can you identify the difference between a common cold & the flu?
Cold and flu are both common and can be difficult to tell apart – they share some similar symptoms but are caused by different groups of viruses. Flu symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer than a common cold..
Symptoms of the common cold
Colds are very common and usually clear up within a week. Like the flu, colds are caused by a virus. The main symptoms of a cold include:
• A sore throat
• A blocked or runny nose
• Sneezing
• A cough
Symptoms of flu
Flu is a widespread infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be quite unpleasant and although symptoms generally get better within a week, you may find it lasts longer. You can catch the flu throughout the year but it’s especially common in winter, which is why it’s often referred to as a seasonal flu.
Cold-like symptoms can be signs of the flu, although they tend to be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
• A sudden high temperature (fever) of 38°C or above
• Tiredness and weakness
• A headache
• General aches and pains
• A dry, chesty cough
The difference between cold & flu
Symptoms such as a fever, aching muscles and the chills tend to be more often associated with the flu rather than a common cold. Cold symptoms are normally milder and develop slowly, whereas the flu can be more abrupt.
How are cold symptoms treated & managed?
There's no cure for a cold, but symptoms don’t tend to last long and should clear up on their own. You can help to relieve your symptoms by:
• Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Taking painkillers
• Using decongestant sprays or tablets to help relieve a blocked nose
• Gargling salt water and sucking on lozenges to help soothe a sore throat
• A cough mixture may also help to soothe a troublesome cough
Not all over-the-counter medicines are suitable for everyone, so make sure to talk to your pharmacist about which treatments will be most suitable for you.
How are flu symptoms treated & managed?
If you’re otherwise healthy, there should be no need to visit your GP. As with a cold, the best way to recover from the flu is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water (six to eight glasses a day is a good goal for most people) to avoid dehydration. It may help to take cold relief remedies for the cold-like symptoms you have with flu.
You can take over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol to decrease a high temperature and relieve aches if necessary. Ask your pharmacist for more information about medicines for flu relief.
While you are feeling unwell, to help avoid spreading the virus it’s best to stay home from work or school until your symptoms improve. For most people, this can take at least a week.
Why antibiotics don’t work
Antibiotics won’t treat cold or flu symptoms, as these conditions are caused by a viral infection, not bacterial, and don’t respond to antibiotics of any sort.
When should you visit a GP?
Visit a GP if you have any of the following symptoms and are concerned:
• A high temperature above 39°C
• Sharp chest pains
• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen glands in your neck and/or armpits
• Severe earache
• If your symptoms last longer than three weeks for cold symptoms, or seven days for flu symptoms
Who is most at risk from cold and flu symptoms?
Colds and flu are unpleasant for anyone, but some groups are more at risk of complications (such as ear, sinus or chest infections).
These groups include the elderly, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems and those with long-term medical conditions. If you're in one of these groups, you should seek your GP's advice if you're worried about cold or flu symptoms.
Next steps
• Treat your cold or flu symptoms with remedies to relieve symptoms. Rest well and drink plenty of fluids
• Consult your GP or call NHS 111 if you have more serious symptoms listed above
• Make sure to treat your symptoms with particular care and attention if you’re part of an at-risk group
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