Flu can cause some patients to get extremely ill, although it usually gets better on its own. If you are advised to get the flu jab, you should. A cold is often treatable without visiting a doctor. You should start feeling better in approximately a week or two. The symptoms of a cold vs flu in the West Midlands are outlined below. Read on to learn the differences and how to manage them.
Symptoms of a cold vs flu
Cold symptoms
The slow onset of cold symptoms can include:
- A blocked or runny nose
- A sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Coughs
- Pressure in your ears and face
- Sneezing
- A raised temperature
- Loss of taste and smell
Both adults and children experience the same symptoms. Children’s symptoms might occasionally continue longer.
The flu symptoms
Flu symptoms can occur suddenly and include the following:
- A sudden high temperature
- An aching body
- Feeling sick and being sick
- A headache
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- Difficulty sleeping
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
Children can also experience earache in addition to the same symptoms and appear to be less active.
Treating symptoms of a cold vs flu in West Midlands
How can I treat the flu?
There are a few measures you can take if you have the flu to help in your recovery.
- Rest and sleep
- Use ibuprofen or paracetamol to alleviate aches and pains and reduce fever.
- Keep warm
- Be sure to get enough water to prevent dehydration (your pee should be clear or light yellow).
Can a pharmacist help with symptoms of cold and the flu in the West Midlands?
A pharmacist can provide flu medications and offer treatment advice. Most flu remedies contain paracetamol, so it is easy to take in excess of the prescribed dose of the painkiller. It’s recommended that you avoid taking it along with flu medications.
Before visiting a pharmacy, feel free to give them a call. You can ask someone to pick up your medications or have them delivered.
How can I prevent symptoms of a cold vs the flu in the West Midlands?
People with a cold can begin spreading it within a few days prior to the onset of their symptoms to the end of the symptoms.
The best preventative measures include:
- Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water
- Avoiding sharing towels or everyday items (such as cups) with those who are sick
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth in case you’ve exposed yourself to the virus, as doing so can cause the virus to enter the body.
- Keeping active and healthy
Here are some tips for avoiding the flu while also protecting others around you.
Get vaccinated
The best protection against the flu and its severe complications is annual vaccination. Pregnant women, regardless of the stage of pregnancy, should always get vaccinations.
Wash your hands often
Having clean hands helps prevent numerous diseases, including the flu. It’s simple to maintain your family’s and your own health by washing your hands frequently.
Do not touch your lips, nose, or eyes
The three main entry points for germs into your body are your mouth, nose, and eyes. Even though you have no control over what you breathe in, keeping your hands off your face can help lower the likelihood of illness.
Stay away from sick people
The flu is highly contagious. It spreads quickly in crowded places, including on public transportation, in nursing homes, schools, and at public gatherings.
Stay at home if you don’t feel well
Being around you when you have the flu puts other people at risk. People who have long-term medical illnesses including cancer, heart disease, or HIV are more at risk for this.
Book your appointment with Knights Pharmacy today to get vaccinated against the flu and learn about symptoms of a cold vs the flu in the West Midlands. You can also shop flu treatment online here:
This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor
Updated November 2022
