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We've got your back with cold and flu. If you are unsure of what your symptoms may mean, read more on the NHS website

Understanding the Symptoms of Cold and Flu

Are you worried that you may have flu-like symptoms?

When your body fights a virus it can be incredibly draining. You may feel like you have cold and flu symptoms, so it’s important to understand exactly what you’re fighting. First of all, both cold and flu are caused by viruses.i The most well-known of these is influenza, commonly called flu. Flu is common during the winter months, which is why we often hear about seasonal flu, although you can catch it all year round.ii

The important thing to know when it comes to flu symptoms and treatment is that respiratory viruses can affect anyone, no matter their health.iii But there are certain groups of people who are at risk of developing more serious cold and flu symptoms. These include very young children, older people, pregnant women and those with certain underlying medical conditions.iii

Flu symptoms come on very quickly, with it being quite common to feel exhausted and develop a sudden fever of 38°C or higher.iv

Additionally, adults suffering with influenza may show symptoms of a sore throat, aching muscles and a dry cough.iv There may also be nausea and headaches, among other symptoms.iv

While these symptoms can be very unpleasant, you should start to feel better within about a week.ii

Why does a cold have flu-like symptoms?

While a bout of the flu is never easy to get through, colds should be more tolerable. This is mainly how you can tell the difference between cold and flu symptoms. Essentially, colds are generally milder,iv but could include a runny or blocked nose, cough, and a sore throat.v

Ongoing cold and flu symptoms can lead to some vulnerable people requiring hospital care. That’s why free flu vaccines in the UK are offered to certain groups of people, including those aged 65 and over, those who are pregnant, and those with certain underlying medical conditions.vi

Flu symptoms in babies

Although it’s never pleasant to see an ill child, it’s perfectly normal for babies to catch colds. Each time they recover their body will have developed antibodies, which can make fighting the next infection easier.vii It does mean that typically youngsters will go through around eight colds a year.vii According to Babycentre UK, children may be more prone to colds because they tend to touch things a lot and then touch their faces, which is a common way of catching a cold.vii However, if you are seeing a lot of flu symptoms in your baby or they are having trouble swallowing or have a cough that lasts more than a month, make an appointment with your GP.vii

Common flu symptoms in adults

Although flu-like symptoms can come and go, each time you catch a heavy cold or the flu it can be worrying. Although the NHS says that the flu will often get better on its own and that GPs do not recommend antibioticsiv, data from Public Health England showed that GP consultations for influenza-like illness rose by 24% in the first week of December 2019 alone.viii Yet almost 7.5 million eligible children and adults missed out on their free NHS flu vaccination last year.viii

Flu can take its toll on anyone, so anyone can benefit from getting a jab – but especially those in vulnerable groups.viii Getting vaccinated is the best way of protecting yourself from the flu, especially during the winter months.viii

However, if you are struggling with flu virus symptoms, there are a number of over-the-counter remedies that can help you feel better while you wait for the virus to pass. A pharmacist should be able to help you further with the signs and symptoms of colds and flu.




The Beechams range includes Powders, Cold & Flu Hot powder for oral solution range, Cold & Flu Capsules, Breathe Clear Hot powder for oral solution, Flu Plus Hot powder for oral solution range, Flu Plus Caplets, All in One Tablets, All in One Liquid, Max Strength All in One Capsules. For Cold and Flu Relief. Always read the label.


Sources: Clicking any of the links below takes you to an external website that is independently operated and not managed by GSK. GSK assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links below.

  1. Influenza (Flu). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu. Accessed 06/10/2020.
  2. Flu. NHS inform. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/flu. Accessed 06/10/2020
  3. Influenza (flu). Vaccine Knowledge. http://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/influenza-flu. Accessed 06/10/2020.
  4. Flu. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/. Accessed 06/10/2020.
  5. Common cold. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/. Accessed 06/10/2020.
  6. Flu vaccine. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/. Accessed 06/10/2020.
  7. Common cold in children (ages one to five). BabyCentre. https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1022017/common-cold-in-children-ages-one-to-five. Accessed 06/10/2020.
  8. Public urged to act fast to avoid festive flu. NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk/2019/12/public-urged-to-act-fast-to-avoid-festive-flu/. Accessed 06/10/2020.

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The Beechams range includes Powders, Cold & Flu Hot Powder for oral solution range, Cold & Flu Capsules, Breathe Clear Hot Honey & Lemon Menthol Flavour Powder for Oral Solution, Flu Plus Hot Lemon, Flu Plus Caplets, All in One Tablets, All in One liquid, Max Strength All in One Capsules. For cold & flu relief. Always read the label.

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