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The UK is bracing for a severe flu season, with data from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) showing consultations for flu-like symptoms at the start of this year were nearly triple those of the previous year. The trend is expected to continue, leaving Brits struggling to distinguish between a common cold and the flu.

Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, Society Matron at Benenden Health, has offered some advice on how to tell the difference. She explained: "Colds creep in slowly with mild symptoms like a blocked or runny nose and sore throat - you'll probably still be able to manage your day. However, the flu hits fast and hard.You will often experience symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and total exhaustion that can knock you off your feet. If you're suddenly wiped out and struggling to function, it's likely the flu, not just a sniffle."

She also revealed how long the flutypically lasts and how long sufferers are contagious, saying: "When the flu strikes, especially at this time of year, it can really knock you off your feet. With the weather changing and lack of sunlight, these illnesses feel harder to overcome. Most people take 5 to 7 days to start feeling better, but it can take up two weeks to feel fully recovered.

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"Even if your symptoms start to ease and you feel more yourself, you may still be contagious for up to seven days. That's why it's important to take precautions, stay home, and rest until you've fully recovered. This helps prevent the spread of the virus and gives your body the time it needs to heal completely. If you find symptoms worsening or not going away after 7 days, contact your GP.

"And while flu is a viral illness and won't respond to antibiotics, a small percentage of people do develop a secondary bacterial infection after flu. Therefore, seeing your GP may be required if you aren't recovering.", reports Leicestershire Live.

To help people recognise warning signs of flu, Dr Lythgoe provided a breakdown of typical flu symptoms, alongside advice to support recovery:.

Temperature

One of the most frequent flu symptoms is a raised temperature, as your body attempts to combat infection. Whilst it may cause discomfort, it's crucial to keep your body warm when battling flu.

Rather than reducing your body temperature by cooling your surroundings, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen, if appropriate and safe for you, to help lower fever safely whilst also relieving the typical aches and pains that accompany flu.

Fatigue

The exhaustion you experience with flu indicates your body is battling hard against the virus.

This occurs because your immune system kicks into overdrive, consuming vast amounts of energy and leaving you feeling completely drained.

While napping might not typically feature in your daily schedule, rest proves crucial for flu recovery.

If you're feeling absolutely shattered, don't fight it - instead, give your body the rest it desperately requires.

Sore throat/dry cough

Maintaining proper hydration helps alleviate numerous flu symptoms, particularly a painful throat and persistent dry cough.

A hot beverage can soothe your throat by keeping it lubricated, making breathing easier and reducing discomfort.

Even better, herbal teas containing nutrient-rich ingredients like ginger or lemongrass may boost your overall recovery.

Additionally, consuming plenty of fluids also helps ease the headaches that accompany flu.

Loss of appetite

Whilst losing your appetite during flu is perfectly normal, maintaining your intake of nourishing foods remains vitally important.

You've likely heard the phrase "feed a cold, starve a fever," but this advice is completely false.

Your body requires fuel to combat the virus and sustain energy levels.

Concentrate on probiotic-rich yoghurts, vitamin C-loaded fruits and vegetables, and plenty of low-sodium broths.

These nutrient-packed foods deliver essential vitamins and bolster your immune system.

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