Colds, flu, sore throats and fever

Your first term will almost certainly bring 'freshers' flu', a run of colds and coughs as thousands of people from different countries mix. Knowing what is normal, and what is not, lets you look after yourself calmly.

Cold or flu?

• The NHS says a cold builds up over 1 to 2 days, mainly affects the nose and throat, and usually does not stop you doing normal activities.
• Flu comes on within a few hours, with a sudden high temperature, aching body, exhaustion, dry cough, sore throat and headache, and often stops you doing anything.
• Most people with a cold start to feel better in about 1 to 2 weeks (NHS).
• Antibiotics do not work on colds or flu because they are caused by viruses, so a doctor will not prescribe them for these.

Looking after yourself

• Rest, sleep and drink plenty of fluids; the NHS dehydration page says to drink enough that your pee is a pale colour.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease aches and fever; read the previous lesson on not doubling up.
• For a sore throat, the NHS suggests gargling with warm salty water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then spit it out), cool or soft foods and avoiding smoke.
• Steam can ease a blocked nose; decongestant sprays should not be used for more than a week.
• The NHS says there is little evidence that supplements such as vitamin C, echinacea or garlic help.

Fever: measuring and managing it

• The NHS says a high temperature is usually 38C or above.
• Use a digital thermometer under your tongue with lips closed until it beeps, or in your armpit with your arm pressed to your side.
• You can feel feverish even if the thermometer reads below 38C.
• Stay at home and avoid other people until your temperature is back to normal (NHS).
• Ask for urgent advice (GP or NHS 111) if a fever you have treated at home is not improving or is getting worse.

Protecting your flatmates

• The NHS says flu germs can survive on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours, and you are most likely to pass flu on in the first 5 days.
• Wash your hands often, cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and bin tissues straight away.
• Do not share cups, towels or cutlery; wipe shared kitchen handles and taps.
• The US CDC suggests returning to normal activities once your symptoms have been improving overall and you have had no fever, without fever-reducing medicine, for at least 24 hours.

When to get help

• See a GP if a cold's fever lasts more than 3 days, symptoms have not improved after 10 days, or a cough lasts more than 3 weeks (NHS).
• Get urgent advice for flu if you feel very unwell or short of breath, have a long-term condition or have not improved after 7 days.
• See a GP if a sore throat has not improved after a week; get urgent advice if you have signs of dehydration or a very high temperature.
• Call 999 (998 in the UAE) for sudden chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or difficulty breathing, being unable to swallow, drooling or a high-pitched sound when breathing.