Many of them will suffer from a runny nose, cough and sore throat this winter. But it can be difficult to know if a cold or the flu is to blame.
Flu figures released this week by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that cases and hospitalizations have continued to rise.
More than 17 million flu vaccinations have been administered in the UK this year, but experts still fear the flu outbreak will continue to accelerate in the coming weeks as a result of more people socializing indoors over Christmas and New Year. .
Separate figures reveal that norovirus, the vomiting bug, which can also cause diarrhoea, has reached its highest level in a decade.
It comes as health leaders have already warned the health service must prepare for a ‘quadremic’ driven by the four winter illnesses – flu, Covid, norovirus and cold-like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
So what are the telltale signs of flu and norovirus? And how to differentiate them from the common cold?
Here, MailOnline breaks down the difference between each illness and when you should seek medical help.
Flu figures released this week by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that cases and hospitalizations have continued to rise.
Colds
Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of colds, but these minor nose and throat infections can be caused by one of more than 200 different viruses.
If symptoms are primarily limited to the upper respiratory tract, it is likely a cold.
Dr Jamie Winn of Universal Drugstore said: “The common cold and flu belong to two different viruses, common colds are rhinoviruses, while flu comes from influenza strains.”
“In general, the flu tends to be more severe, with more sudden symptoms, and can cause more complications.”
He explained that while the common cold usually causes cough, sore throat and nasal congestion, the flu can cause high fever, body aches and chills.
However, overlapping symptoms between cold and flu, including sneezing and nasal congestion, can make clinical diagnosis difficult.
Dr. Winn explained that the viruses that cause the flu and the common cold thrive in cold temperatures, meaning cases are more likely to increase in the winter months.
He said: ‘Studies show that viruses, especially flu, travel better in dry air, and colder temperatures mean drier air.
“In addition to this change in temperature, less sunlight means people get less vitamin D, which can help protect the immune system and ward off respiratory viruses.”
The graph shows common symptoms (green checkmark), occasional and possible symptoms (orange circle) and symptoms that never occur (red cross) with the common cold, flu and Covid.
Another reason for the spread of flu during the winter is that people spend more time indoors, where there is less ventilation.
He said: “With the festive season, we also see an increase in travel, which can help spread cold and flu viruses across the country.
“People also tend to increase their alcohol consumption at this time of year, which can weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to catching viruses.”
There is no cure for the common cold, but there are some ways to relieve symptoms.
Getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, breathing steam to relieve nasal congestion, and drinking warm lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat are simple ways to treat a cold.
Flu
The illness, caused by influenza viruses, usually causes coughing, which is also seen in common colds.
But flu symptoms are usually much more intense than colds and can even cause stomach problems.
In some cases it can be fatal if complications, such as pneumonia, arise among the most vulnerable.
Professor Ron Eccles, who ran Cardiff University’s Common Cold Center before retiring from the university in 2017, told MailOnline: ‘The flu usually causes chills, fever, headaches, muscle aches and pains.
“The flu gets worse because the symptoms affect the entire body and are not limited to the upper respiratory tract.”
And he added: “Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are also more common in cases of flu.”
The latest data from the UKHSA shows that flu cases are increasing. Just over one in five tests (21.7 per cent) of Britons of all ages with coughs and colds carried out at the end of last week came back positive for the flu virus.
Rates were highest among children ages 5 to 14, at 39.8 percent, up from 30 percent the previous week.
NHS data released this week also suggested that flu hospital admissions in England have already surpassed last year’s peak and are reaching their highest level so far this winter.
Figures show that more than 2,600 beds have been occupied by flu patients, an increase of almost 40 per cent on last week (1,795).
Of them, 125 were in critical care, 90 percent more than in the previous seven days.
Dr. Winn explained that most people with the flu will be contagious three or four days after symptoms begin.
“To help prevent the spread, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands and using tissues, avoiding close contact with other people if you have symptoms, and making sure the space you are in is well ventilated,” he added.
Since September, health officials have urged the millions of people in England eligible to get a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill and needing hospital care.
More than 17 million flu vaccinations have been administered in the UK this year, but experts still fear the flu outbreak will continue to accelerate in the coming weeks as a result of more people socializing indoors over Christmas and New Year. .
Dr Winn said: ‘The flu vaccine is incredibly important, not only for you but also for the protection of the community.
‘A regular flu vaccine will prevent you from getting sick and may prevent further complications. It also has the benefit of keeping your immunity high against new strains.
“In addition, regular flu vaccinations also help protect the most vulnerable family and community members and reduce pressure on healthcare systems.”
Just like treating a cold, it’s important to get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids.
You can also take over-the-counter medications.
Dr Winn said: “Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with headaches, muscle aches and fever. Guaifenesin can loosen mucus and clear the airways.
‘Pseudoephedrine can help with nasal congestion, while an antihistamine such as chlorpheniramine can stop a runny nose. And if you have a cough, look for products with dextromethorphan.’
But he warns that you should be aware of your symptoms to make sure you don’t have something more serious.
“Whether you have the flu or a cold, consider visiting a doctor if your symptoms persist for more than a week or if you have a high temperature, difficulty breathing, or other signs of infection,” she explains.
Rates of vomiting, which can also cause diarrhoea, are also more than double the levels seen before Covid for this time of year, new figures show.
Norovirus
According to figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the total number of norovirus reports this year (4,523) was also more than double that of five years ago (2,057).
There were 782 confirmed cases of the bug between November 25 and December 8.
It represents an increase of one fifth compared to the 649 reported the previous fortnight and almost double that of five years ago (400).
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings is also 24 percent higher than the five-year average.
However, the actual number of cases nationwide may be even higher.
This is because the figures are based on positive laboratory reports and NHS hospitals reporting suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks.
Most of those infected suffer nausea, diarrhea and vomiting and recover at home.
But norovirus can increase pressure on hospitals because infected patients must be isolated in individual rooms or wards must be closed to new patients to contain the spread.
Most people will not need to talk to a doctor about a norovirus infection.
In most cases, it will go away on its own.
Health bosses often recommend rest and drinking plenty of fluids to aid recovery. Paracetamol can also relieve fever or aches and pains.
Rehydration drinks, such as Dioralyte, which replace essential salts and water, can be purchased from the pharmacist.
Parents are advised to avoid giving soft drinks or fruit juices to children with norovirus, as this can make diarrhea worse.
Many patients also ask their doctor for antibiotics, but these are not effective against viruses.
However, patients with particularly severe vomiting and diarrhea may be given anti-nausea medication from a GP.