A Cold or the Flu?

Colds, flu, winter

Being aware of the differences between a cold and the flu can help with treatment and stop flu complications that can be serious or even life threatening.

If you get the flu:

• Stay in bed for a few days to give the body a chance to recover
• Drink lots of fluids
• Stay away from work or school to stop it spreading. Flu is contagious for 3 or 4 days after symptoms appear
• If you feel seriously ill, always see your doctor
• If you're over 50 years old or have a chronic condition you should always see your doctor
• Serious infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis or ear infection can develop as a result of the flu. You should see your doctor if:
  • you are coughing up thick, discoloured or bloody mucus
  • you have recurring fever, chest pain, facial swelling, earache or severe pain in the face or forehead

The best way to handle colds is to simply stop them spreading:

• Avoid close contact during the contagious period
• Wash your hands often with soap
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Use tissues
• Treating cold symptoms won't cure your cold, but it will make you feel better until your body fights off the virus

The flu vaccine is free until 30 June for people 65 or over and all people with certain chronic medical conditions who are at high risk of flu complications