Cold & flu season

Cold and flu share many things in common - they're both viral infections that mainly affect the sinuses and respiratory system. They also flare up in the colder months and spread to other people through coughing and sneezing.

However, the common cold is caused by many different viruses, which is why there’s no vaccination for it. The flu, on the other hand, is caused specifically by the influenza virus and causes more severe symptoms including body aches, breathing difficulties, and fever. If not properly managed, more serious complications may also arise.

The best chance of avoiding the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is available to people over 65 in the UK, as well as young children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups.

Deaths from the common cold are incredibly rare, but every year tens of thousands of people die from the flu, mostly during the winter. That's why it's so important to get vaccinated - not just to protect yourself, but to prevent flu from spreading too.

Find out where and how to book your flu jab in the articles below, as well as practical tips for avoiding both cold and flu.

The most common symptoms of cold and flu are congestion, feeling tired, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and high temperature. With flu, symptoms are more severe and often include body aches, night sweats, shivers (rigors), and nausea too.

You'll likely require bedrest and time off work until the symptoms pass. In the case of both cold and flu, the worst of the symptoms may only last 2-3 days, and most people recover completely within a week.

For a deeper dive into your symptoms, read our selection of GP-authored articles below.

Your immune system will normally clear the viruses that cause cold and flu by itself, but there are a range of over-the-counter and prescription medicines (and even home remedies) that help alleviate symptoms.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen will lower a temperature, while lozenges or cough medicines sooth a sore throat. If the infection is severe enough, you may be prescribed antiviral medications like oseltamivir or zanamivir to reduce the risk of complications.

Our goal is to give you clear, trusted clinical information to make informed decision about your health. So whether it's busting a myth, correcting a misconception, or answering a question you've always had about cold and flu, we hope you'll find what you need here.