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The NHS has highlighted a key symptom that means you have flu rather than a cold as experts have warned of a “concerning rise” in cases. According to the health body, cases of flu are currently three times higher than this time last year. Experts explained that flu season has hit “more than a month earlier” than usual. And data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that cases of flu rose from 6.1 per cent up to 8.2 per cent. This rise is mainly due to a spike among school-aged children, NHS England said. As a result, health bosses are urging eligible people - including certain children - to get vaccinated against flu. Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, commented to say: “This early rise of flu in children is particularly concerning – especially given that flu circulation in children normally precedes that in adults – so it’s vitally important those eligible come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible to avoid a long and drawn-out flu season. “The flu virus changes every year, so it’s important to get a vaccination each year to ensure yours and your families protection and to help reduce the spread to others. “Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to help shield against the virus and prepare for what we expect to be a very challenging winter, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.” It can be difficult to know whether you have a cold or the flu as symptoms can be similar. However, there are ways to tell them apart. On its website, the NHS says: “Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu tends to be more severe.” A main sign that could mean you have flu rather than a cold is if you “feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal”. In comparison a cold will make you feel unwell “but you still feel well enough to do your normal activities”, the NHS says. Other key differences are that flu comes on quickly within a few hours while a cold will appear gradually. Also, the flu will affect “more than just your nose and throat”, whereas a cold “mainly affect” those two areas. The NHS lists symptoms of flu as: The NHS says you should “try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people” if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities. To reduce the risk of spreading flu you should: To speed up your recovery, you should: The NHS adds that you should call 111 or book an urgent GP appointment if you or your child have symptoms of flu and: For more information, visit the NHS website here .
