What should you know about cholera and flu?

Flu mainly affects the respiratory system and commonly causes fever, aches, tiredness, cough, or sore throat. Cholera affects the gut and is acquired through contaminated food or water. Its defining concern is rapid fluid and salt loss from diarrhoea, sometimes with vomiting. Having a cough or fever does not establish cholera, while watery diarrhoea during an exposure or outbreak deserves prompt attention.

For suspected cholera, begin oral rehydration solution in small, frequent sips and use safe water. Keep separate drinking vessels, wash hands after toilet use, and avoid preparing food for others until a clinician gives advice. A healthcare professional can distinguish gastrointestinal illness from flu and decide whether further treatment is needed. See [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) and [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/).

Get urgent medical help for faintness, confusion, severe weakness, very little urine, a dry mouth with intense thirst, repeated vomiting, or trouble drinking. These signs point to significant dehydration, regardless of whether the initial label was flu or cholera. [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) can replace fluid when oral intake is inadequate.

Ask which symptoms make cholera more likely, whether anyone exposed at home needs advice, and how to continue fluids if vomiting occurs.