What should you know about common cold and flu?

A cold commonly brings a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough. Flu may also cause feverishness, marked tiredness, headache, muscle aches and chills. Symptoms overlap, so the pattern alone cannot always identify the virus. A cough can linger after other cold symptoms begin to settle.

Rest, fluids and time are central to recovery. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections. A cold may irritate the airways and occasionally be followed by conditions such as acute bronchitis, sinusitis or a middle ear infection.

Drink regularly, choose easy-to-tolerate meals, and rest while you feel unwell. Saline drops or spray may ease a blocked nose; warm drinks can soothe a scratchy throat. Follow the label for any pain or fever medicine and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or have a long-term condition.

Cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands, and avoid close contact while feverish or clearly unwell. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers unless a clinician specifically advises it.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, or chest pain that does not ease. Arrange medical advice if symptoms are worsening, dehydration makes drinking difficult, fever persists, or a cough becomes severe. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma or other chronic illness may need earlier advice.

Could these symptoms fit a cold, flu, or another infection? Which medicine is suitable with my current treatment? What changes should prompt an examination?