While many of us are concerned about the flu this winter, there are some things you need to know.
The number of people in hospital with the virus have quadrupled in the past month and continue to rise. As well as this, NHS chiefs warned at the start of January that cases were increasing “at a very concerning rate”.
Data shows that by the end of last week, 5,000 patients were being treated for the virus in hospital. This is almost 3.5 times higher than the same period in 2023, although not as high as 2022.
However, a doctor has shared some simple ways to distinguish between a cold and the flu. While it’s normal to worry about our health, it’s important to know what your symptoms mean.
Dr Husam Issa explained on the CLS Health TikTok page that symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose are usually associated with a common cold, which can also cause loss of taste or smell and typically lasts one to two days.
In contrast, flu often presents a high fever and severe body aches, requiring bed rest. In some instances, flu can lead to severe pneumonia. Symptoms tend to appear suddenly and a vaccine is available for prevention, unlike the common cold.
Dr Husam’s advice is purely informational and should not be used as a tool for diagnosis. If you have health concerns, it’s always best to consult your GP.
However, his video has also helped people understand certain symptoms. The video has already garnered over 6,000 views, with viewers sharing their experiences and thoughts.
Some commented that their cold symptoms persist for more than two days. One viewer shared: “These colds are lasting seven to 10 days.”
Another added: “Day 10 of my cough. Still not better.” A third thanked the doctor, saying: “Thank you doctor. I really need to be educated.”
How can you tell if you have flu?
According to the NHS, common symptoms include:
- Sudden high temperature
- Body aches
- Feeling very tired
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Issues sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
To recover, it recommends rest, warmth, hydration and consulting a pharmacist for additional remedies. If you or your child has the flu and the symptoms worry you, seek immediate help from your GP.
If someone experiences sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing or is coughing up blood, you should call 999 immediately.