Cold and flu

Colds - the virus multiplies in the soft, warm surfaces found in the nose, throat, sinuses, the windpipe (trachea) and the breathing tubes (the bronchi). The main symptoms are blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough. There may also be a fever, aching muscles and fatigue. The symptoms usually last for a week

Flu - These are the same as colds but the muscle aching is usually more severe and the fatigue may last for a few weeks after the illness has cleared up

To most healthy adults, flu can be just like a nasty cold. However, young children, the elderly and people with certain chronic medical conditions are susceptible to potentially serious complications. These are mostly related to a secondary bacterial infection of the lungs (pneumonia) or of the ears, nose and throat. In children under about six years old, fits - known as febrile convulsions - can occur as a result of the high body temperature.

If the following symptoms develop with a cold, you should consult a doctor promptly: 

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Earache
• Difficulty breathing
• Skin rash
• Uncontrollable cough
• Cough with green sputum - phlegm
• Extreme lethargy or drowsiness

There is no cure for colds or flu. Antibiotics, which do work to kill bacteria, do not work on viruses. However, home treatment can help to relieve the symptoms and ensure a speedy recovery.

Home treatment

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Avoid tobacco smoke
• Decongestants such as pseudo-ephedrine may clear congestion. Ask your pharmacist for advice on products that contain a decongestant
• Steam inhalations with menthol or eucalyptus, or herbal products such as camomile, may help. Take care with the hot water
• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables is sensible
• Rest. Avoid strenuous exercise, as this can increase the chance of catching a secondary bacterial infection. Contrary to the advertising claims for some cold and flu medicines, if you are unwell with a heavy cold and, especially, flu, carrying on as normal is not advisable

Medication

For people in general good health, who are not elderly, no specific medical treatment - apart from the home care suggested above - is required for flu. For vulnerable groups, where it is important to prevent complications or spread, prescription only medicines may be required.

For adults, paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen can help to relieve fever and pain. Always follow the instructions carefully and take care not stay within the safe daily doses. It is easy to accidentally exceed these by using more than one product (tablets, capsules, a hot lemon drink…) containing the same active ingredient such as paracetamol For children under 12 years old aspirin can be dangerous (in rare cases, it can cause Reyes syndrome). It should also be avoided in older children and adolescents. Childrens formulations of paracetamol (eg Calpol) and ibuprofen (Nurofen Junior) are available.

There are several anti-viral treatments, taken as tablets or as an inhaler (similar to the ones used for asthma). They have been shown to reduce the duration of flu but only by around one day, and then only if treatment is started within two days of the onset of the illness. Doctors are not currently routinely prescribing antiviral medicines for flu.

Antibiotics may be given to treat any bacterial infections such as a chest infection, ear infection or sinusitis.

• Isolation of people with colds and flu to prevent it spreading to other people, if practical
• Regular hand washing and immediate disposal of tissues
• Aim for a healthy lifestyle a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, and regular (preferably daily) physical activity
• Do not smoke - smokers are more likely to catch a cold

Having a flu vaccine each year significantly reduces the chance of catching the illnesses. It is recommended for people with chronic health conditions or BMI≧30, the elderly and children who are more likely to experience complications from the seasonal flu.

1. Why isn't there a cure for the common cold?

There isn't a cure for the common cold because it's difficult to produce a vaccine or medicine that protects against all the different types of cold virus.

Colds are very common and most people will have at least one cold every year. This is because there are at least 200 different viruses that can cause a cold. The rhinovirus is the most common and there are more than 100 different types of this virus. So, even if your body develops immunity to one type of virus, a different one can give you another cold. This is why scientists haven't yet been able to develop a vaccine or medicines to prevent a cold.

2. Is being stressed linked to catching a cold?

Yes. You're more likely to get a cold if you're under stress.

There is a link between stress and how likely you are to get an infection. Research suggests that if you're under stress in your day-to-day life then you're more likely to develop an infection than someone who isn't stressed. This means that you’re more likely to catch a cold and develop symptoms if you're stressed.

Doctors don't yet know exactly why stress may make you more likely to develop infections, but it's thought that it affects how well your immune system works to fight off infection.

3. How long will I be infectious for?

You're at your most infectious during the first two or three days of a cold, when you are sneezing and have a cough and a runny nose. Although your symptoms will go within a week or two, you can remain infectious for several weeks.

When you catch the cold virus from someone, it usually takes about two days for you develop symptoms. You will be most infectious at the start of a cold when you have symptoms such as a runny nose, cough and sneezing. This is because you can pass the virus on by coughing and sneezing as well as by direct contact, for example when you blow your nose the virus will be on your hands.

Your symptoms are likely to be at their worst during the first two or three days of a cold and then you should gradually start to feel better. Most adults and older children usually have symptoms for about a week, in younger children symptoms can last for up to two weeks. However, you can remain infectious for several weeks.

This information was published by Bupa Group's Health Content Team and has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. To the best of their knowledge the information is current and based on reputable sources of medical evidence, however Bupa (Asia) Limited makes no representation or warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of the Content.

The information on this page, and any information on third party websites referred to on this page, is provided as a guide only.  It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Bupa (Asia) Limited is not liable for any loss or damage you suffer arising out of the use of, or reliance on, the information.

Third party websites are not owned or controlled by Bupa and any individual may be able to access and post messages on them. Bupa is not responsible for the content or availability of these third party websites. Last updated August 2017.

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