While we may not want to fret, the flu has been a concern for many this winter.
Indeed, it was reported this week that the number of hospitalised flu patients has quadrupled in the past month and continues to rise. At the start of January, NHS chiefs warned that cases were increasing “at a very concerning rate”.
Data shows that by the end of last week, 5,000 patients with the virus were being treated in hospital. This is almost 3.5 times higher than the same period in 2023, although not quite as high as 2022’s figures.
However, while it’s natural to be concerned about maintaining good health, a doctor has offered some simple ways to distinguish between the flu and a common cold, which can often be confusing.
Doctor Husam Issa provided straightforward advice on the CLS Health TikTok page. He explained that symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose are typically associated with the common cold.
Loss of taste or smell can also occur, and the duration of the illness is usually shorter, with a cold lasting from one to two days depending on severity.
In contrast, flu symptoms often include a high fever and severe body aches, which can confine you to bed. In some instances, the doctor noted, the flu can lead to serious pneumonia. Flu symptoms also tend to appear suddenly.
It’s worth noting that while the flu can be prevented with a vaccine, there is no equivalent for the common cold.
Dr Husam’s advice has been welcomed by many – as the clip garnered more than 6,000 views. One said: “Thank you doctor. I really need to be educated.”