Adult cold & flu

Practical Flu advice

Otherwise known as influenza, flu is a virus which is passed from person to person via liquid droplets in the air.

Flu is different to the common cold - it is caused by a different type of virus, and the symptoms are often more severe.

Despite this difference, many people think flu is just a 'serious cold'.

Flu can strike at any time during the year, but tends to be most prolific during winter.

Common symptoms of Flu

Flu shares many of the same symptoms with the common cold - such as a blocked nose, sneezing, coughs and a sore throat.

Flu tends to be much worse than a cold, though: it can cause body temperatures to rocket towards 40°C, along with muscular aches and pains, sweats and a feeling of exhaustion.

Flu can spring up very quickly - turning into a sudden fever in a short space of time, whereas colds often take a few days to develop. Some at-risk groups are likely to develop complications as a result of flu, such as those with chest problems, and those over 65.

Scientific research has uncovered more than 200 different viruses which are responsible for colds and flu. Recent flu variations have caused widespread health concern, including avian flu and swine flu (H1N1).

It can be difficult to tell the difference between colds and flu - but a sudden high temperature, feelings of exhaustion and sweating may suggest influenza over the common cold.

Practical Flu treatments

In most cases, flu symptom relief is available over the counter. Getting plenty of rest, keeping warm and drinking plenty of water will help your body start to recover.

Because flu is a virus, and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics have no effect. It's worth keeping some painkillers handy though - Ibuprofen will soothe muscular aches and pains, and paracetamol can help reduce headaches and lower your temperature.

Some people like to top up on vitamin C when they are ill - either through nutrient-rich foods like oranges, or by taking vitamin supplements.

As well as treating your own flu, there are several ways to help stop the virus from spreading. Sufferers are infectious for up to six days, so it's important to avoid vulnerable relatives and take steps to reduce the risks of infecting others. You can help stop the spread of flu by always coughing or sneezing into a tissue, then throwing the tissue away and washing your hands thoroughly.

At risk groups, such as the over 65s, pregnant women and those with long-term medical conditions, are offered the flu jab on an annual basis.

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  Winter Illness and Remedies

  Few people would claim that winter is their favourite part of the year. The days are short, its cold, it’s wet and often miserable. Worst of all winter is the time when we’re most likely to get ill.

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  Winter Cough

  The common cough can be divided into two types.. • Dry – also known as tickly cough, no additional mucus is produced • Chesty – characterised by the presence of additional mucus