Cold & Flu Symptoms
Rest, fluids, and the right relief.
Cold or flu?
- A cold starts gradually: sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, mild cough.
- Flu starts suddenly with fever, aches, exhaustion and headache.
- Colds usually ease within a week; flu can take two weeks to shake off.
Comfort treatments
- Rest and plenty of fluids.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches.
- Saline nasal spray or steam for a blocked nose.
- Honey and warm drinks for a cough and sore throat (not for babies under one).
- Decongestants for short-term use only.
- Antibiotics do not work on colds or flu.
Stopping the spread
- Wash hands often; cover coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home while feverish.
- Annual flu vaccination if you are in an at-risk group.
Seek medical help urgently if
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Fever lasting more than five days, or returning after improving
- Coughing up blood, or severe headache with neck stiffness
- Very young babies, older people or those with long-term illness getting worse
General information only — not a substitute for medical advice.