What is the difference between a Cold and Flu?
The main difference between a cold and the flu is their severity and type of symptoms. A cold usually develops gradually and causes milder symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and mild fatigue. It tends to affect only the upper respiratory tract, and most people recover within a few days without needing medical treatment.
On the other hand, the flu typically comes on suddenly and causes more severe symptoms. These can include a high fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, a dry cough, and shivers. The flu can also lead to more serious health complications, especially in vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children, and those with underlying conditions. While both are caused by viruses, the flu is usually more intense and can result in longer recovery times. Our guide discusses the difference between the common cold, the flu and hayfever in colder months.
What causes a Cold or Flu?
A cold or flu is caused by different types of viruses that infect the respiratory system. The common cold is usually triggered by rhinoviruses. These viruses spread easily from person to person when someone coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
The flu is caused specifically by influenza viruses. Like the cold, the flu is highly contagious and spreads in similar ways. Factors such as colder weather, close contact with infected individuals, and weakened immune systems can increase the likelihood of catching either virus. While both illnesses affect the respiratory tract, the flu typically results in more severe symptoms and a higher risk of complications.
What are symptoms of Cold and Flu?
Common cold and flu symptoms may include:
- A blocked or running nose
- A sore throat
- Coughs
- Feeling tired and unwell
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of taste and smell
- A feeling of pressure in your ears and face
- Earache
You may also experience a high temperature and aches in your muscles. These symptoms normally suggest that your cold is more severe and may be the flu.
What is the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine helps protect against the flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. It works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies, which help your body recognise and fight the virus if you are exposed to it in the future. The vaccine is updated each year to match the most common strains of the virus expected to circulate during flu season.
Getting the flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of catching the flu or developing serious complications if you do become ill. It is especially recommended for vulnerable groups such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.
What is the best treatment for a cold?
With a vast array of brands and products available, including cough medicines, cold & flu capsules, tablets, sprays, throat lozenges and more, finding the best cold medicine can be a difficult task. Our pharmacists will be able to advise you on which medicine(s) you should take.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to reduce your temperature and ease any aches and pains, but these should not be taken alongside additional cold treatments to prevent you from taking too much.
As with most illnesses, you should:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat a balanced diet
- Avoid smoking
Some people also find it helpful to:
- Drink hot lemon and honey
- Gargle salt water
- Breathe in steam
How can I quickly get rid of a Cold ?
While there is no instant cure for a cold, there are several effective ways to ease symptoms and speed up recovery. Rest is essential, as it allows your body to focus its energy on fighting the virus. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, or clear broths, which help to thin mucus and soothe a sore throat.
Natural ways to help:
- Rest more
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Drink more water
- Stay warm
- Drink herbal teas or clear broths
Over-the-counter cold treatment products can also provide relief from cold symptoms. Using a saline nasal spray, inhaling steam, and keeping your environment humid may also help clear congestion. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C and zinc, may support your immune system. Although you cannot completely eliminate a cold overnight, these steps can help reduce its duration and make you feel better more quickly.
How do I clear my Sinuses?
To clear your sinuses, it is important to reduce inflammation and promote drainage. One of the most effective methods is using a saline nasal spray or rinse, which helps to flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants from the nasal passages. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl of warm water can also ease congestion by loosening mucus and soothing irritated tissues.
Staying well hydrated and using a humidifier can also support sinus health by keeping your nasal passages moist. If sinus congestion is caused by an infection or persists for more than a week, it is advisable to consult your GP for further treatment.
How long should a cold last?
Most colds last 7-10 days and should go away within a couple of weeks, although symptoms can last longer in young children.
You may notice some symptoms - such as increased yellow/green mucus from the nose - starting to feel stronger, even if you’re starting to feel better on the whole. This is often a sign that your body is flushing out the infection.
How to protect yourself in the winter?
In the colder months, it's common to encounter viruses that can leave you feeling under the weather. Prioritising your well-being and health during winter is crucial.
It is important to keep yourself warm and wrapped up during winter. Wearing thicker clothing in winter helps prevent colds by helping your body retain heat. When temperatures drop, our bodies work to maintain a constant internal temperature through various mechanisms, including shivering to generate heat and constriction of blood vessels to conserve warmth.
Thick clothing acts as a barrier against the cold, trapping heat close to the body and preventing heat loss. By staying warm, our immune systems can function better, as cold temperatures can weaken our body's defences against viruses and bacteria. Keeping your immune system functioning well can help protect you against colds, flus and other viruses.
How to keep my immune system healthy during the winter?
Keeping your immune system healthy during the winter could prevent colds and flues. To help improve your immune system, consuming a well-rounded diet rich in fruits and vegetables can aid in supporting overall health and well-being. You can further support your health by taking vitamins and supplements. Additionally, ensuring you have a good sleep schedule, engaging in regular exercise, and practising proper hand hygiene can also help.
