Cold & Flu Treatments

The common cold is typically a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (the throat and nose) which can be caused by several different types of viruses. The symptoms, although unpleasant, are usually harmless. Most people recover from a cold within a week, although symptoms can occasionally last up to 10 days.

The flu is regarded as a contagious respiratory infection (affecting the throat, nose and sometimes lungs) caused by influenza viruses. Although the flu can be caught all year round, it is most commonly spread during winter months. Most people make a full recovery within 2 weeks of infection.

There are several similarities between a cold and the flu, so it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate them based on symptoms alone. They are both common contagious viruses affecting the respiratory tract.

However, the virus responsible for each illness differs - a cold can be caused by several different viruses whilst the flu is caused strictly by influenza viruses. In addition, whilst there is some overlap in the symptoms of both infections, flu symptoms are typically more severe, appear more suddenly and take slightly longer to clear. While most people recover from both illnesses without requiring medical attention, the flu can sometimes have serious associated complications such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.

Symptoms of both the cold and flu include:

• a blocked or runny nose
• sore throat
• sneezing
• coughing

When infected with the flu, you may also experience:

• headaches
• body aches and pains
• fatigue
• a dry, chesty cough
• a fever of 38°C or higher

Most colds clear up on their own within a week, though it's not unusual for symptoms to last up to 10 days. Symptoms usually peak around day 2 or 3, then gradually ease, although a lingering cough can continue for a week or two after everything else has cleared.

The flu tends to take a little longer to shift, with most people recovering within 2 weeks. Fever and the most intense symptoms typically improve within 5 to 7 days, but tiredness and a cough can persist for longer. See a pharmacist or GP if symptoms have not started improving after this time, or if they suddenly get worse.

A cold is contagious from a few days before symptoms start until they have completely cleared, which usually means around 2 weeks in total. You are most likely to pass it on when symptoms are at their worst, typically in the first 2 to 3 days.

The flu is contagious from around a day before symptoms begin to roughly 5 to 7 days after becoming ill, and you are most infectious in the first 3 days. Because both viruses spread through coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces, it is sensible to stay away from work, school or vulnerable people while you have symptoms, particularly a fever.

Often, colds and the flu will clear on their own without the need for medical attention. However, as the symptoms are often unpleasant, make you feel run-down and can be contagious, it is recommended you rest at home, keep warm and stay hydrated to reduce the likelihood of being dehydrated. If necessary, you can also take pain-relieving medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease symptoms and lower fevers.

To reduce the chances of spreading a cold or the flu, it is wise to regularly clean surfaces that you touch often, such as countertops, door handles and electronic equipment. You should also regularly wash your hands with soap and water, and make sure when coughing or sneezing that you use tissues to cover your nose and mouth.

No. As colds and flu are caused by viruses rather than bacteria, antibiotics will not help, and there is currently no medicine that cures either illness or clears it up faster. The best way to recover is to rest, keep warm and stay hydrated while your immune system fights off the infection.

Over-the-counter treatments cannot shorten a cold or flu, but they can ease symptoms while you recover. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with fever, aches and headaches, decongestant products such as Olbas Oil and Sterimar Nasal Spray can relieve a blocked nose, and multi-symptom remedies such as Lemsip Max Sachets combine several of these effects in one product. If flu symptoms are severe or you're in a high-risk group, Tamiflu may be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of illness if started early.

Tamiflu is a flu medication used to treat and prevent influenza viruses. It contains the active ingredient oseltamivir, which belongs to a group of medications known as neuraminidase inhibitors. Tamiflu works by blocking the formation of the enzyme neuraminidase, which is required by the flu virus in order to spread across the respiratory tract. By inhibiting the enzyme's formation, the virus is stopped from spreading, giving the immune system an opportunity to fight off the flu infection.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can both help ease the aches, fever and headaches that come with a cold or flu, and it's fine for most adults to take them together or alternate between the two, provided each is taken at the correct dose and interval.

Check the label of any other cold and flu products you're taking, such as Lemsip Max or Benylin, before adding paracetamol or ibuprofen on top. Many multi-symptom remedies already contain one or both of these ingredients, and taking extra doses alongside them increases the risk of exceeding the maximum daily amount. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist to check what you are taking.

Some cold and flu remedies are not suitable during pregnancy, so it is important to check before taking anything, even products available without a prescription. Paracetamol is generally considered suitable for pain and fever in pregnancy, at the standard recommended dose. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory painkillers, along with decongestant tablets, sprays and drops, are usually best avoided, particularly from 20 weeks onwards.

As suitability can depend on the stage of pregnancy and the exact ingredients in a product, speak to a pharmacist, midwife or GP before taking any cold or flu treatment while pregnant.

Not directly. Colds are caused by viruses, not by cold temperatures or wet hair, so being cold does not cause a cold on its own. However, people tend to spend more time indoors in close contact with others during colder months, which makes it easier for cold and flu viruses to spread from person to person.

Some research also suggests cold air can make the lining of the nose slightly less effective at fighting off viruses, which may be part of why colds and flu are more common in winter.

This depends on your symptoms. If you only have mild symptoms above the neck, such as a runny nose or mild sore throat, gentle exercise is not likely to cause harm and some people find it helps them feel better. If you have symptoms below the neck, such as a chesty cough, aching muscles, a fever or fatigue, it is best to rest and avoid strenuous exercise until you feel better.

Pushing through more severe symptoms can put extra strain on your body and may slow down your recovery, so listen to how you feel and do not exercise if you have a temperature.

Cold and flu viruses spread easily through coughs, sneezes and contact with contaminated surfaces, so regularly washing your hands with soap and water, and avoiding touching your face, can help reduce your risk. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and phones, also helps limit the spread.

Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and many people in the UK do not get enough from sunlight alone during autumn and winter. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting enough sleep and taking a supplement such as OneVit Vitamin D3 and K2 can all be worth considering as part of your general routine during cold and flu season.