While colds and influenza share similar symptoms, they are actually caused by different viruses. 

The length and severity of the symptoms vary depending on the virus strain, and your overall health.

What is a cold?

The common cold is usually caused by a virus called Rhinovirus. Symptoms are generally mild and less severe than the ‘flu.

Symptoms of a cold

Sore throats, runny noses, sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes – a cold is not a lot of fun. Other symptoms include blocked sinuses that cause sinus pressure and pain. Some people get a headache and others might experience a high temperature.

How to treat a cold

Generally the best medicine is plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, especially water. A teaspoon of honey dissolved in hot water with lemon juice is a popular remedy. Another favorite is a Hot Toddy. Read our guide to the perfect hot toddy recipe, here. To clear mucous or blocked sinuses you can use saline sprays or drops, which are available from your supermarket or local pharmacy.

Your pharmacist can help you ease your symptoms with everything from steam inhalers to decongestants and throat lozenges. Find our where your nearest chemist is, here. 

Sometimes we don’t have time to spend a couple of days resting in bed with a cold, so it’s tempting to take medications and head back to work. But before you do, make sure you understand some of the side effects of the cold and flu medication. 

How long will it take to recover from a cold?

You symptoms will peak on the second and third day after catching a cold and usually clear up within a week. If you catch a bad cold then symptoms can last for two to three weeks.

The cough is usually the last symptom to disapear. Some people go on to develop a secondary infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

If you experience persistant symptoms you should make an appointment with your doctor.

What is the flu?

Influenza, commonly know as the ‘flu, is the name given to a group of virus strains such as A, H1N1, or B. The flu is a more serious illness than a cold as it affects the whole body. ‘Flu can be very severe, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions and the elderly.

Symptoms of the flu

The flu usually starts with a sudden onset of a high fever. The body will shiver to keep warm and sweat to lose heat. You feel very weak and tired and your muscles will ache.

Symptoms include irritatated throat or lungs, a dry cough, headaches and muscle aches and pains.

How to treat the flu?

The best advice is to rest in bed and take plenty of fluids. Paracetamol will help control fever, aches and pains.

How long will it take to recover from flu?

Recovery from the flu is longer than with a common cold and can take up to a week. Some symptoms, such as coughing and fatigue, may last longer. If you’ve got the flu you should expect to spend a few days recovering in bed.

Prevention

An annual flu shot to prevent some forms of influenza is available from your doctor. This is especially recommeded to the elderly, young children and parents with dependant children. Read up on the flu shot here. 

For more information about cold and flu, talk to your pharmacist or family doctor.