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Cold and Flu
Children
Adults
First Aid

Cold or Flu

 

Resources

NHS Choices - is it the common cold or the flu?
Colds and flu can share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat) but are caused by different viruses, and flu can be much more serious.  Find out more.

CKS - Common Cold
CKS - Flu
The NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries are a reliable source of evidence-based information and practical 'know how' about the common conditions managed in primary and first-contact care.


Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Influenza – flu – is a highly infectious and potentially serious illness caused by influenza viruses.  Each year the make-up of the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses that the World Healflujabsth Organization decide are most likely to be circulating in the coming winter.

Regular immunisation (vaccination) is given free of charge to the following at-risk people, to protect them from seasonal flu:

  • people aged 65 or over,
  • people with a serious medical condition (see box, right),
  • people living in a residential or nursing home,
  • the main carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer becomes ill,
  • healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care, and
  • those who work in close contact with poultry, such as chickens.


Resources

For more information on flu immunisation, including background information on the vaccine and how you can get the jab, see Seasonal flu jab.

There is a full guide on the NHS immunisation website or you can download the pdf guide here

HPA - Season Flu Guide

RCGP - The battle against flus and colds


These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

 
For quick medical advice online or on the telephone contact NHS DirectNHS 111 is a new service being introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare servicesNHS ChoicesDepartment of HealthMy Surgery Website