General Practice
Colds and flu
Telling the two apart, easing the symptoms, and knowing when it needs a doctor.
4 min read
What it is
Colds and influenza are both viral infections of the airways, but they behave differently. A cold builds slowly over a day or two and mostly affects the nose and throat. Flu arrives suddenly, usually with fever, body aches and exhaustion that keep you in bed. Antibiotics do not work on either, because antibiotics treat bacteria, not viruses.
What to look for
Cold: blocked or runny nose, sneezing, mild sore throat, mild cough, seldom a high fever
Flu: sudden fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, dry cough, deep tiredness
Both usually improve within seven to ten days, though a cough can linger longer
Sensible things to do at home
- Rest properly and drink fluids regularly through the day
- Paracetamol at the recommended dose for fever and aches
- Steam or saline nasal spray for a blocked nose
- Honey and warm liquids soothe a cough in anyone over one year old
- Stay home while you have a fever, so you do not pass it on
When to see us
- Fever above 38 °C lasting more than three days
- Shortness of breath, chest pain or a cough that produces discoloured phlegm
- Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen again
- Anyone with asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease, or who is pregnant
- Babies under three months with any fever
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.