Common cold or flu - what to do

A virus can only multiply and reproduce upon infecting a living cell - the cells that line our airways are particularly vulnerable to viruses due to not being covered by a protective layer of skin.

Each year approximately 500 million people are affected across the globe with 5% of those being severe cases and 1% (500 000) resulting in fatality. A further 5% to 20% will suffer other complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Though people often confuse a common cold and influenza (flu), the actual effects are quite different and easy to distinguish if you know your facts.

Death by flu mostly occurs in the elderly (over 65) or children (under 5) or those who suffer from chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. It can also be more dangerous for people with immune deficiency diseases such as HIV. Otherwise, the majority of healthy people may have to stay in bed for a week or two but should be able to fight the virus off with plenty of rest, water and some help from your local pharmacy.

Common cold facts:

Symptoms include: sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, you may develop a phlegm-y, hacking cough and have slight aches. Symptoms appear gradually and last for a few days, normally two to three days - and those symptoms that do appear are not severe. The common cold cannot be prevented by any medicines, though symptoms can be treated.

Flu Facts:

Flu affects one in ten adults and one in three children.

Symptoms include: fever, aches (often severe), dry unproductive cough, extreme tiredness, chills, chest discomfort (can be severe), headaches, or you may also have a sore throat. Sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose are quite uncommon with flu. Symptoms appear suddenly, within a matter of hours and continue for two to three weeks. Flu is much more serious, symptoms are severe and can be debilitating. The Flu jab may prevent the onset of flu symptoms in up to 80% of people if vaccinated early in the cold season and is available at all Clicks Clinics. Antivirals can be prescribed by your doctor; they could lessen symptoms, could make you less contagious and could considerably shorten the duration of infection - though you need to begin treatment within 48 hours of symptoms appearing. Symptoms are also treatable with OTC products from your pharmacy.

Prevention and treatment:

Prevention is of course better than cure so healthy habits such as eating a well-balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables really do wonders for your immune system. Wash hands with soap frequently and use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing - this will also help prevent the spreading of colds and flu. It's also a good idea to boost your immune system at the onset of winter with vitamin C.