05/12/2025
Cold and Flu Season 2025
The cold and flu season is here. This winter, respiratory viruses are circulating earlier and more widely, and overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to know when medical advice is needed. Most people will catch a respiratory virus at some point, and while these illnesses are usually mild, they can make you feel very unwell. Understanding how to manage symptoms at home and when to seek professional help ensures you get the right care and helps the NHS manage demand for urgent services.
Colds vs. Flu: Key Differences
It can be difficult to tell the difference, but generally:
Colds usually develop gradually and mainly affect your nose and throat, with symptoms like a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and cough.
Flu symptoms appear suddenly and are more severe, with symptoms including a high temperature, often above 38°C, chills and sweats, headache, aching muscles and joints, extreme tiredness, a dry persistent cough, reduced appetite.
Antibiotics do not work against cold and flu viruses.
Self-Care at Home
For most healthy people, rest and home care are the best remedies.
Rest and stay warm.
Take over-the-counter medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a temperature and ease aches and pains. Always check the packaging or speak to a pharmacist first to ensure they are suitable for you.
Relieve sinus pressure with steam inhalation and congestion with nasal sprays
Soothe sore throats and maintain hydration with salt water gargles or hot lemon and honey drinks.
Stay home from work or school until you feel better to prevent spreading the illness.
Help protect yourself and vulnerable members of the community with simple preventative hygiene measures:
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
'Catch it, bin it, kill it': Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, bin used tissues immediately, and then wash your hands.
Clean surfaces (e.g., door handles, remote controls) regularly to eliminate germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Ventilate indoor spaces.
Avoid close contact if unwell
Ensure asthma inhalers and preventers are up to date
Get Your Flu Vaccine - Vaccination is the single best defence against flu and serious complications. The vaccine is updated annually to match circulating strains, so you need a jab every winter to stay protected. Please book your appointment as soon as possible.
When to Contact the GP or NHS 111
You generally do not need to see a doctor for a simple cold or flu but you should contact us if you experience:
Fever lasting more than three days
A cough lasting more than two weeks
Feeling more out of breath than usual or pain when breathing or coughing
Sinus pain with fever or worsening symptoms
Symptoms that are not improving after seven to ten days
Concerns about a child under five
Chest discomfort, unusual palpitations
Dizziness or confusion
Worsening of asthma, COPD, diabetes or other chronic conditions
Please also contact us if you have a serious underlying health condition (e.g., heart, lung, kidney disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system or you are pregnant.
If you have reason to visit the Practice, any care setting or hospital please wear a mask to prevent spread and to protect others.
Urgent Symptoms That Need Immediate Care
Seek urgent medical attention through 999 or A&E if you notice:
Severe difficulty breathing
Blue lips or face
Sudden confusion
Severe chest pain
Collapse or fainting
A non-blanching rash
A very high fever that does not reduce
Babies under three months with a temperature above 38°C should also be assessed urgently.
For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or attend A&E.
