Colds, flu and COVID-19 are caused by viral infections of the respiratory system, which are more common during the winter months. As these different infections share several similar symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart.
Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson shares helpful advice on understanding the differences between colds, flu and COVID-19 and ways to help relieve symptoms.
How can I tell if my symptoms are due to a cold, flu or COVID-19?
“Common symptoms of both cold and flu include a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing and coughing.
“Cold symptoms tend to be milder and usually clear up within a week. In contrast, flu symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer. Common flu symptoms include a fever, aching muscles and chills.
“The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, but people can also get other symptoms which are very similar to colds and flu.”
How can I relieve cold symptoms?
“Whilst there’s no cure for a cold, there are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms:
- Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain and fever
- Using decongestant sprays or tablets to help relieve a blocked nose
- Medicated throat lozenges can help soothe a sore throat
- Cough medicine may help, but it’s important to select a product that’s suitable for your symptoms
“Not all over-the-counter medicines are suitable for everyone, so make sure to talk to your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team about which treatments will be most suitable for you.”
How are flu symptoms managed?
“In most flu cases, there should be no need to visit your GP. As with a cold, the best way to recover is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water. The same medicines used to relieve the symptoms of cold may also be considered to help relieve the symptoms of flu.
“This includes paracetamol or ibuprofen, which can help to reduce a high temperature and relieve aches and pains. Ask your pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team for advice about medicines for flu symptom relief that may be suitable for you.
How can I look after myself with COVID-19?
“Most people with COVID-19 will feel better within a few weeks and there are several measures you can take at home to help relieve the symptoms.
- If you have a high temperature, it can help to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids (water is best) and if you feel uncomfortable you may wish to take pain relief medicine, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if it’s suitable for you
- To help with a cough, try sitting upright or lying on your side, rather than your back. Speak to a pharmacist or member of the pharmacy team for advice on cough medicines if you’d like something to help with your symptoms
- If you’re feeling breathless, try your best to relax and take slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth until the sensation eases. If you feel your breathlessness is getting worse, go to 111.nhs.uk, call 111 or call your GP surgery for medical advice.”
“If you think you may have COVID-19 and have a high temperature and don’t feel well enough to do your normal activities, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. You can go back to normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.
Why are flu and COVID-19 vaccinations important?
“Vaccinations are the best way to help keep yourself and others protected from both viruses this winter. All adults 50 years and over are eligible for flu and COVID-19 booster vaccination on the NHS. It’s important to note that a flu vaccination does not offer protection from COVID-19 and vice versa. If you’d like more information and advice on both or either vaccinations, your pharmacist can help to provide this.”
What can be done to support good immunity?
“A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, B12, B6, C and D will support the normal function of the immune system.
“If you are struggling to get these vitamins from your diet, supplements can help. In fact, the government advises that everyone take a daily 10mcg vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter months, as we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight during this time and cannot get enough vitamin D from food alone.”
“Supplements can also help increase your intake of Vitamin C, but once you reach the recommended daily allowance of 40 mg you will not receive any further benefits and taking large amounts of vitamin C per day can be harmful.”
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