Colds and flu at a glance

What have you got?

Cold	Flu
Starts gradually	Starts rapidly
Slight temperature after first 24 hours	Raised temperature in first 24 hours - lasting 3-4 days
Normal appetite	Loss of appetite
Slight headache	Severe headache
Stuffed up or runny nose with sneezing	Muscular aches and pains
Sore throat	Nausea and vomiting
Feeling tired	Feeling exhausted

When patients should see a doctor

In most cases people should be able to get over a cold or flu without seeing a doctor. If the following symptoms develop, however, they should consult with their GP.

A persistent fever - above 38.5慢 (101慚) in adults, or 39慢 (102慚) in children
Painful, swollen glands
Difficulty with swallowing or breathing
Chest pains
Skin rash
A cough that produces blood, or thick mucus which is coloured
Neck stiffness
Earache
Thick white or yellow spots at the back of the throat
If the cold lasts for more than two weeks.

Who should have a flu vaccine?

Some people who are considered to be at risk of developing complications ought to get a flu vaccination every year. These include the elderly, people who have lung disease (bronchitis, asthma, emphysema), heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, whose immune systems have been weakened by disease or treatment and people who live in nursing, residential or long-stay homes.

What about the new anti-viral drugs for flu?

The new anti-viral drugs for flu can help ease symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. They need to be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Ask your GP for more information on their availability. They are most appropriate for those in vulnerable groups (the elderly, people who have lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, whose immune systems have been weakened by disease or treatment and people who live in nursing, residential or long-stay homes).

Cold (and flu) facts - not to be sneezed at