General information
Colds and flu occur throughout the year, but do appear to be more common in the winter months. Colds and flu are caused by viruses which are easily spread, either by breathing in the virus from others when they cough or sneeze, or by touching a surface where the virus has settled, then transferring the virus to our eyes, nose or mouth.
The main symptoms of a cold are sneezing, a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. This may be accompanied by a high temperature, tiredness and/ or headaches. The flu is more severe than a cold and symptoms develop more quickly and usually include a fever, severe aches and pains, and exhaustion.
The best way to fight infection is to have a healthy lifestyle, eat a healthy diet, including five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, take regular exercise, get plenty of rest and follow good standards of hygiene.
Colds and flu can normally be treated at home. Antibiotics aren't prescribed for colds and flu, as they don't work against viruses.
The symptoms of a cold usually begin 2-3 days after you become infected, and last for 2-14 days. Most people recover from a cold within a week. You are most contagious when you have the sneezing, runny nose and cough that are the first signs of a cold developing.
Flu is more severe than a cold and symptoms develop more quickly and usually include a fever, severe aches and pains, and exhaustion. While recovery from the common cold usually occurs within a week, the severe stage of flu usually lasts 3 - 5 days. It can then be followed by up to three weeks of post-viral fatigue (tiredness). If symptoms persist for longer than a week or become very severe, seek medical advice.
- drink plenty of fluids (water and warm drinks, but avoid alcohol)
- rest, and avoid strenuous activity
- keep warm
- avoid smoke filled environments
- over the counter cough medicines, sprays or lozenges may help dry or tickly coughs*
- over the counter medicines may help ease aches and pains*
- over the counter decongestants may help a stuffy nose and sinus pain / congestion*
* If you are taking over-the-counter medicines, it is important to check with your pharmacist that they will not interact with other medicines you are currently taking. In particular, always check the packaging or enclosed patient information leaflet to make sure you don’t take more than the recommended dose. Some medicines may cause drowsiness. If you’re unsure, always ask your pharmacist or NHS Direct for advice.
If you have severe pains, chest pains, difficulty breathing or your symptoms last in excess of 2 weeks you should seek medical assistance.