Is it flu, a cold or Covid?
Flu (influenza) usually comes on suddenly and makes you feel much worse than a cold. A cold builds up gradually and mostly affects your nose and throat. Covid-19 can look like either.
| Symptom | Flu | Cold | Covid-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden, within hours | Gradual | Gradual or sudden |
| Fever | Common, often high | Rare or mild | Common |
| Body aches | Common, often severe | Mild | Common |
| Exhaustion | Common, can be extreme | Mild | Common |
| Blocked or runny nose | Sometimes | Very common | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes |
| Loss of taste or smell | Rare | Rare | Possible |
How a doctor treats flu
Most healthy adults recover from flu at home with rest, fluids and medicine for fever and pain. A VDOC doctor can:
- Confirm whether your symptoms are likely flu, and rule out other causes
- Recommend safe doses of medicine for fever, aches and cough
- Prescribe antiviral medicine if you are at higher risk and it's early enough
- Check for complications such as a chest, sinus or ear infection, and treat them
- Issue a sick note if you're not fit for work
Who is at higher risk from flu?
See a doctor early if you are over 65, pregnant, living with HIV, or have a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease or kidney disease. Young children are also at higher risk; see our page on children with fever.
See a flu doctor in 3 steps
Book from bed
Pick a doctor and time online or on WhatsApp. Many doctors consult in the evenings and on weekends.
Video consult
Tell the doctor when your symptoms started and about any chronic conditions or medication.
Rest & recover
Get your treatment plan, plus a prescription and sick note if appropriate.
Feeling better at home
- Rest, and stay home from work or school until you've had no fever for at least 24 hours.
- Drink plenty of fluids: water, rooibos tea or soup.
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches if they are safe for you. Don't double up on combination cold-and-flu products that contain the same medicine.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often to protect the people you live with.
- An annual flu vaccine, ideally before winter, is the best protection for next season.