What is the difference between flu and a cold?

Colds come on gradually and mainly affect the nose and throat. Flu comes on quickly and makes you feel exhausted, with a high temperature, aching muscles, chills and tiredness that can leave you needing to stay in bed. Flu generally hits harder than a cold.

How long does flu last?

Most people start to feel better within about a week, though a cough and tiredness can linger longer. If you are not improving after a week, or you get suddenly worse, seek advice.

Do antibiotics treat flu?

No. Flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Treatment is about easing symptoms — rest, fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches and fever. Antiviral medicines are sometimes used for people at higher risk.

Should I get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is offered free to people at higher risk of complications — including older adults, pregnant women, young children and those with certain health conditions — and is the best way to reduce your chance of getting flu. A pharmacist or GP can advise if it is right for you.

Flu (influenza) | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is flu (influenza)?

Flu is a common viral infection that can make you feel suddenly and severely unwell, with a high temperature, aches, exhaustion and a cough. Most people recover within a week or two with rest and fluids. The flu vaccine and good hygiene help prevent it.

What is flu?

Flu, short for influenza, is a common infection caused by viruses. Unlike a cold, flu tends to come on quickly and can make you feel genuinely unwell and exhausted. It is very common in winter and, while most people recover fully at home, it can be more serious for certain groups.

Symptoms

Flu usually comes on suddenly and can cause:

a high temperature
aching muscles and joints
extreme tiredness and the need to rest
a dry cough and sore throat
a headache and chills

Feeling well enough only to stay in bed is a typical sign that it is flu rather than a cold.

How to treat it

Most people recover with self-care: rest, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease aches and a high temperature. Antibiotics do not help, because flu is viral. Antiviral medicines are sometimes used for people at higher risk of complications.

Preventing flu

The annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk, and is offered free to people who are more likely to become seriously unwell — including older adults, pregnant women, young children and those with certain conditions. Good hygiene also helps: wash your hands, use tissues, and stay away from others when unwell.

When to get help

Contact a GP or NHS 111 if you do not improve after a week, get suddenly worse, or are in a higher-risk group. Treat difficulty breathing, chest pain or confusion as an emergency.

Common questions

What is the difference between flu and a cold?: Colds come on gradually and mainly affect the nose and throat. Flu comes on quickly and makes you feel exhausted, with a high temperature, aching muscles, chills and tiredness that can leave you needing to stay in bed. Flu generally hits harder than a cold.
How long does flu last?: Most people start to feel better within about a week, though a cough and tiredness can linger longer. If you are not improving after a week, or you get suddenly worse, seek advice.
Do antibiotics treat flu?: No. Flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Treatment is about easing symptoms — rest, fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches and fever. Antiviral medicines are sometimes used for people at higher risk.
Should I get the flu vaccine?: The flu vaccine is offered free to people at higher risk of complications — including older adults, pregnant women, young children and those with certain health conditions — and is the best way to reduce your chance of getting flu. A pharmacist or GP can advise if it is right for you.

Sources

NHS — Flu