What should you know about cold and flu symptoms?

A common cold usually affects the upper airways and may cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, sore throat and cough. Flu can cause a more sudden, whole-body illness with fever, chills, muscle aches and pronounced tiredness, although symptoms overlap and cannot always identify the virus.

A cough can linger after the initial infection because the airways remain irritated. Sinus pressure, ear pain or a barking cough may signal a complication or a different condition, particularly in a young child. The presence of one symptom does not establish a diagnosis.

Rest, drink regularly, and choose light meals if your appetite is reduced. Warm drinks, saline spray and humidified air may soothe a sore throat or blocked nose. Follow the label for any pain or fever medicine, check the active ingredients in combination products, and ask a pharmacist if you take regular medicines or have a long-term condition.

Reduce spread by washing hands, covering coughs and avoiding close contact while feverish or significantly unwell. Antibiotics do not treat viral colds or flu unless a clinician identifies a bacterial infection. Keep children comfortable and monitor drinking, urination and alertness.

Get urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion, a seizure, or unusual drowsiness. Seek prompt advice for dehydration, a worsening cough, severe earache, facial pain or a fever that is not settling. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with significant medical conditions may need earlier assessment.

Do my symptoms fit a common cold, flu or another infection? Which medicines are suitable for me? How should I monitor a child, and which change means I should arrange an examination?