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Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear, sore eyes, swollen glands and appear less active.
Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu tends to be more severe.
| Flu | Cold |
|---|---|
|
Flu
Appears quickly within a few hours. |
Cold
Appears gradually over 1 to 2 days. |
|
Flu
Affects more than just your nose and throat. |
Cold
Affects mainly your nose and throat. |
|
Flu
Makes you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal. |
Cold
Makes you feel unwell, but you still feel well enough to do your normal activities. |
If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly.
rest and sleep
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
give paracetamol or ibuprofen to your child if they're distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure
drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)
do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16
A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.
Do not take paracetamol and flu remedies that contain paracetamol at the same time as it's easy to take more than the recommended dose.
Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as flu. GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
You or your child have symptoms of flu and:
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Flu is very infectious and easily spreads to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days after getting infected.
Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
To reduce the risk of spreading flu:
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature, feel hot, cold or shivery, or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.
Watch this video to find out the best way to wash your hands.
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu. It's safe and effective.
It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to some adults and children at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Find out more about the:
