Colds and flu explained

What are colds and flu?

A cold and flu are both infections caused by viruses, but by different ones. A cold is usually milder and comes on gradually, mainly affecting the nose and throat with a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough. Flu, short for influenza, tends to come on suddenly and makes you feel much more unwell all over. Because they are caused by viruses, not bacteria, antibiotics do not work against them and are not the answer. Both spread easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, and by touching surfaces then the face. Most people recover fully at home, with the immune system clearing the virus over about a week or two.

Telling a cold from the flu

The pattern of symptoms often gives a clue. A cold usually builds up over a day or two and centres on the nose and throat; you can generally carry on with daily life, if a little miserable. Flu tends to strike quickly and floors you: a sudden high temperature, aching muscles, exhaustion, a headache and feeling too unwell to do your usual activities are typical, often with a dry cough. As a rough guide, if you can still go about your day you probably have a cold, whereas flu tends to send you to bed. This distinction is not perfect, and some infections sit in between, but it helps explain why flu deserves more caution, particularly in people at higher risk.

Self-care and the pharmacist

For most colds and flu, the best approach is rest and time while your body fights the virus. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, keep warm and rest, and use over-the-counter remedies as directed to ease symptoms such as a blocked nose, sore throat or fever. A community pharmacist is an ideal first port of call: they can suggest suitable products, check nothing more serious is going on, and advise who should seek further help. Antibiotics are not recommended because they do not work on viruses and can cause side effects and resistance. Good hand-washing, using tissues, and staying away from vulnerable people while unwell all help stop these viruses spreading to others.

The flu vaccine and prevention

Flu can be serious for some people, which is why the NHS offers a free annual flu vaccine to those at higher risk. This usually includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions or weakened immune systems, along with frontline health and social care workers and carers. Because the flu virus changes each year, the vaccine is updated and given each autumn to give protection through the winter. Even for people not eligible for a free jab, simple measures reduce spread: washing hands regularly, catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and binning it, and cleaning shared surfaces. Staying at home when you have flu also protects family, colleagues and anyone more vulnerable around you.

When to seek medical help

Most colds and flu can be managed at home, but some situations need advice. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if symptoms are severe or last longer than about three weeks, if you feel breathless or develop chest pain, if you cough up blood, or if you feel much worse or suddenly deteriorate. Take extra care with babies, older people, pregnant women, and anyone with a long-term condition or weakened immunity, as they are more likely to develop complications such as a chest infection. Phone 999 or go to A&E if someone has serious difficulty breathing, sudden chest pain, becomes confused or very drowsy, or a child is limp, floppy or struggling to breathe. When in doubt, seek advice rather than waiting.