Flu concerns are on the rise. As winter grips the nation, hospital admissions for the virus have quadrupled across the UK in just a month and continue to escalate.
NHS chiefs sounded the alarm at January’s outset, citing an “at a very concerning rate” surge in cases. More than 1,500 people in Scotland have been admitted to hospital in the last week because of the virus.
Health Secretary Neil Gray admitted there was “no doubt Scotland has been hit hard by flu this winter”. The total, he said, surpassed the “peak of around 1,400 admissions” that hospitals had to deal with in the winter of 2022-23.
This was when the flu virus was widespread across the UK. There is expert advice at hand to differentiate between a cold and the flu, though, according to Bristol Live.
Dr Husam Issa, from the CLS Health TikTok page, outlined that symptoms like a runny or blocked nose often signal a common cold, which might also bring about loss of taste or smell and usually resolves within a couple of days.
In contrast, flu symptoms strike abruptly, often with high fever and intense body aches necessitating bed rest, and can escalate to severe pneumonia. Unlike a cold, there’s a vaccine to prevent the flu.
His viral video has amassed over 6,000 views, sparking a dialogue among viewers sharing their symptoms and insights. Viewers have been sharing their experiences with persistent cold symptoms.
One said: “These colds are lasting seven to 10 days,” while another revealed: “Day 10 of my cough. Still not better.”
A third expressed gratitude towards medical advice: “Thank you doctor. I really need to be educated.”
Wondering how to spot the flu? The NHS lists common symptoms and advises rest, warmth, hydration, and consulting a pharmacist for remedies. If flu symptoms become concerning, contact your GP promptly.
In cases of sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing or coughing up blood, dial 999 immediately.
According to the NHS, common symptoms include:
- Sudden high temperature
- Body aches
- Feeling very tired
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Issues sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
While Dr Husam’s insights are informative, they’re not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Always consult your GP with health concerns.
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