Differences between colds and flu

Differences between colds and flu

Colds and flu are caused by different strains of virus. The symptoms of flu are more severe and last longer than the symptoms of a cold. If your symptoms creep up sneakily, your temperature rises after 24 hours, your appetite is almost normal, you have a slight headache, sore throat and feel tired, you have probably got a cold. If your symptoms come on quickly, your temperature rises within 24 hours, you have a poor appetite, severe headache, aches and pains all over your body, you feel sick and are generally exhausted, you have probably got flu.

Your pharmacist can give you advice on treating colds and flu and can make sure you get the right treatment.

Before you buy or take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine:

+ check that the medicine is suitable for your symptoms by reading the label or asking the pharmacist;

+ if you are taking other medicines, or have a medical condition, ask your pharmacist or doctor whether you can take a cold or flu remedy; and

+ always read the label carefully before you use any medicine.

This guide has been produced by the Consumer Health Information Centre, with the Doctor Patient Partnership, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, the National Pharmaceutical Association and the Royal College of Nursing.

If you have any questions about taking an OTC medicine, ask your local pharmacist or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647. For more information about everyday illnesses that you can treat with OTC medicines, visit our website at www.chic.org.uk. For information on the different OTC remedies available, visit www.medicine-chest.co.uk.

Chic Health Information Centre

The Consumer Health Information Centre (CHIC) is an educational service provided by the Proprietary Association of GreatBritain. 9/00