A sore throat, sneezing, a cough, a blocked nose and fatigue: these are all the familiar symptoms of the common cold and flu. They’re typically at their worst during the first two to three days of a cold, and the illness can last from seven to 10 days, with coughs lasting for two or three weeks. As we all know, there’s no cure for a cold and the symptoms can usually be managed by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and over-the-counter medications.
Many of us find it hard to tell whether we have a cold or the flu—which is more serious—as the symptoms can be similar. A cold will usually only affect your nose and throat, and you still feel well enough to go to work or school. With flu you’re more likely to have a headache, fever and aching muscles, a sudden onset of symptoms and an inability to carry on with day-to-day activities because you’re feeling too unwell.
When it comes treatment, the best remedy for the flu (and for a cold) is to rest at home, drink lots of water and use painkillers and decongestants. However, see your GP if your symptoms last for more than three weeks, if they get worse, if you have difficulty breathing or have chest pain. Babies, elderly people, pregnant women and those with long-term illnesses may also have to see a GP if they develop the flu.
See more: Common Cold Myths
Prevention
There are ways you can ward off colds and the flu.
Vaccines
Getting an annual flu vaccine can reduce you risk of contracting the flu, although it isn’t 100 percent effective. Typically, you have to pay for the vaccine but it’s possible to receive it for free on the NHS if you’re aged 65 or over, pregnant, very overweight or have an underlying health condition such as long-term heart disease or a weakened immune system.
See More: Fighting Flu and Keeping Fit
Medication
If there is a bout of flu around and you’ve been in contact with someone who has it, you haven’t had the vaccine and you’re over 65, pregnant or have a long-term condition such as diabetes or lung disease, then you could take an antiviral medicine such as Tamiflu.
Good hygiene
Simple measures will reduce your risk of getting the flu. These include regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water, cleaning surfaces that you touch regularly and using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
Read more on Celebrity Angels about how to battle the flu and other illnesses this season.
