In a recent interview on BBC Morning Live, Dr. Oscar Duke, known from the documentary series “24 Hours in A&E,” shared valuable insights on distinguishing between the common cold and the flu. With the onset of colder weather and children returning to school, the likelihood of falling ill increases. Dr. Duke highlighted that spending more time indoors during this period, such as shopping or going to the cinema, can increase the chances of catching a cold or flu due to close proximity with others trying to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Explaining the key differences, Dr. Duke noted that while symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and fever are common in both viral infections, there are distinguishing factors. For a cold, symptoms typically manifest gradually, primarily affecting the nose and throat, allowing individuals to continue with daily activities. In contrast, flu symptoms appear rapidly within a few hours, affecting more than just the nose and throat, leaving individuals feeling exhausted and unable to carry on normally.
The NHS guidelines offer further clarity on when to seek medical advice. For common cold symptoms persisting beyond 10 days, a high temperature lasting more than three days, or concerns about exacerbation of symptoms, consulting a GP is advisable. Similarly, for flu symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent high temperature after seven days, or specific vulnerable groups such as pregnant women or those with existing medical conditions, urgent medical attention should be sought.
Moreover, the NHS cautions against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics for colds, as they are ineffective against viral infections like colds and flu. Antibiotics are only suitable for bacterial infections and do not aid in the recovery from viral illnesses.
The informative session by Dr. Duke serves as a timely reminder for individuals to be mindful of their symptoms and seek appropriate medical guidance when necessary to effectively manage cold and flu-related issues during the upcoming season.