Flu usually comes on suddenly and can make you feel very unwell.

Common symptoms include:

• High temperature (fever)
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Muscle aches and pains
• Extreme tiredness
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite

Children can have the same symptoms as adults, but may also develop earache, sore eyes, swollen glands, or may become unusually tired and less active.

What is the difference between cold and flu?

Although cold and flu symptoms can be similar, flu tends to be more severe and comes on much more quickly.

Cold	Flu
Develops gradually	Comes on suddenly
Mainly affects nose and throat	Affects the whole body
Usually mild	Can be severe
Most people can continue normal activities	Often leaves people too unwell to carry on as normal