Flu Season Has Come Early! Experts Share How to Spot Symptoms and Recover
Flu season has come early with the NHS reporting cases three times higher than last year. With searches for ‘is it a cold or the flu?’ increasing by 336% in the past three months, health experts are revealing how to tell the difference between the two and best recovery tips for the classic symptoms like fatigue, sore throats and changes in appetite.
As temperatures drop and darker days set in, the seasonal flu begins to circulate once again. The flu has been predicted to hit the UK more intensely than usual this winter. According to RCGP data, consultations for flu-like illness at the end of last year and start of this year were almost three times the level to the year prior, and this trend is expected to continue. And with various lurgies circulating at this time of year, it can be increasingly difficult to tell which virus you’re experiencing. In fact, health experts at Benenden Health found UK searches for “flu symptoms” has risen by 116% the past three months.
Considering these findings, Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, Society Matron at Benenden Health has explained how you can spot the difference between cold and flu: “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.”
Cheryl also shared how long you can expect the flu to last and how long you’re contagious for: “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.
“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.”
To help people spot signs of flu, Dr Cheryl Lythgoe has shared a guide of common flu symptoms, as well as tips to aid recovery:
Temperature
One of the most common flu symptoms is a temperature, as your body tries to fight off infection. And while it may cause discomfort, it’s important to keep your body warm when you have the flu. Instead of lowering your body temperature by cooling your environment, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable and safe for you, to help reduce fever safely whilst also easing the common aches and pains that come with the flu.
Fatigue
The fatigue you feel with the flu is a sign that your body is working hard to fight off the virus. That’s because when your body does this, your immune system ramps up its activity, which uses a lot of energy and leaves you feeling drained. So, while napping may not be a part of your normal routine, resting is essential for flu recovery. If you’re feeling wiped out, don’t resist it and instead get the rest your body needs.
Sore throat/dry cough
Staying well hydrated supports the reduction of many flu symptoms, in particular a sore throat and dry cough. A warm drink can help soothe your throat by keeping it moist, making it easier to breath and reducing discomfort. Even better, herbal brews that have ingredients packed with nutrients, such as ginger or lemongrass, may support your overall recovery.
What’s more, drinking plenty of fluids also helps reduce the headaches that come with flu.
Loss of appetite
While it’s normal to lose your appetite when you have the flu, it’s important to keep your intake of nutritious foods as high as possible. You’ve probably heard the saying, “feed a cold, starve a fever,” but this is not true. Your body needs fuel to fight the virus and maintain energy.
Focus on probiotic-rich yoghurts, vitamin C-packed fruits and vegetables, and plenty of low-sodium soups. These nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins and support your immune system.