How to treat common winter illnesses

There are many minor illnesses that can affect anyone over the winter months. For many of these, you do not need to see your GP in the first instance as your local pharmacy team can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines to help relieve symptoms.

If your symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists can tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

Cough

Coughing is common. One in five people will get a cough in winter. Symptoms can last up to three weeks, but in some cases can last up to eight weeks.

What can I do to feel better?

Cough medicines from pharmacies can make you feel better as will a mug of hot water with juice from a lemon and a teaspoon of honey (not suitable for babies under 1 year old).

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When should I contact my GP?

Contact your GP if you have any of the following:

  • a cough lasting more than three weeks
  • coughing up blood
  • chest or shoulder pain as well as coughing
  • breathlessness
  • weight loss for no reason over the last six months
  • hoarseness or changes in your voice for longer than three weeks and persists once the cough is better
  • new lumps or swellings around your neck and above your collarbones.

Cold

Symptoms of a cold include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and a slight fever. Symptoms usually last up to ten days.

Colds are very common and generally harmless infections that get better in time without the need to see your GP.

What can I do to feel better?

It is important you rest, eat healthily and drink lots of fluids. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce some of the symptoms of a cold. Speak to your pharmacist for advice on cough and cold medicines.

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When should I contact my GP?

Contact your GP if you have any of the following:

  • a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery
  • a long term medical condition, such as diabetes, or a heart, lung or kidney condition
  • a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy
  • chest pain
  • coughing up phlegm with blood in
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the glands in your neck or armpits
  • symptoms lasting over three weeks

Sore throat

Symptoms of a sore throat usually last about a week without any treatment.

What can I do to feel better?

To help treat a sore throat you can:

  • suck lozenges , ice cubes or ice lollies – but do not give lozenges or hard sweets to young children
  • eat soft or cool foods
  • gargle with warm salty water can help reduce swelling and pain (children should not try this)
  • avoid smoking and smoky places
  • drink plenty of water

You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat.

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When should I contact my GP?

Contact your GP if:

  • your symptoms last more than 10-14 days, or are getting worse
  • you have a sore throat and a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery
  • you have problems swallowing and severe pain
  • you are dehydrated
  • if you have a weakened immune system

Call 999 if:

You or your child:

  • have difficulty breathing or are unable to swallow
  • are drooling – this can be a sign of not being able to swallow
  • are making a high-pitched sound as you breathe (called stridor)
  • have severe symptoms and are getting worse quickly

Nasal congestion and sinusitis

Symptoms of nasal congestion and sinusitis can last up to three weeks and can include:

  • a blocked or runny nose
  • pain or tenderness in the face
  • a slight fever
  • a headache
  • pressure in the ears
  • a cough
  • reduced taste and smell

Symptoms of sinusitis in young children may also include:

  • irritability
  • difficulty feeding
  • breathing through their mouth

What can I do to feel better?

Most people will get better without treatment. To help ease symptoms, get plenty of rest and drink lots of water.

You can speak to a pharmacist about ways of relieving your symptoms and medicines that can be purchased to help, such as

  • paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • nasal decongestants (decongestants should not be taken by children under 6 years old).
  • saline (warm, salty water) washes
  • applying a warm pack to the face

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When should I contact my GP?

Contact your GP if:

  • your symptoms are severe
  • painkillers do not help or your symptoms get worse
  • your symptoms do not improve after one week
  • you keep getting sinusitis

Flu

Flu is a common respiratory virus, spread through the air when you cough or sneeze. It can also spread when you touch surfaces where the virus has landed, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

For most people flu can cause unpleasant symptoms, but if you are vulnerable flu can cause severe illness. Symptoms of flu include:

  • a high temperature
  • tiredness
  • a headache
  • aches and pains
  • a dry chesty cough

Flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect against flu. It will also help reduce the risk of spreading flu to others.

This year, the free flu vaccine is being offered on the NHS to adults who:

  • are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
  • have certain health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • are in long-stay residential care
  • receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • live with someone who is more likely to get infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
  • frontline health or social care workers
  • have a serious long-term health condition

More information about who is eligible for the flu vaccine

Information about the children's flu vaccine and who is eligible

What can I do to feel better?

Rest, keep warm and drink plenty of water. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with aches and pains to bring down a fever.

When should I contact my GP?

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you are worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
  • you are over 65 years old
  • you are pregnant
  • you have a long-term medical condition, such as diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
  • you have a weakened immune system – for example, from chemotherapy
  • symptoms do not improve after seven days

Norovirus

Norovirus is sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, as it is more common in winter. Symptoms can come on very quickly and can include:

  • vomiting and diarrhoea
  • a slight fever
  • headaches
  • stomach cramps
  • aching limbs

What can I do to feel better?

Stay at home and rest because Norovirus is very contagious. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take paracetamol for any aches and pains. You can also speak to your pharmacist for advice about your condition and medication to relieve your symptoms.

Don’t visit a pharmacy – phone them for advice or call 111.

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School, nursery or work

Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. This is when you’re most infectious.

Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.

When should I contact my GP?

Contact your GP if:

  • there is any blood in your diarrhoea
  • your symptoms haven’t improved after a few days
  • you have a serious underlying condition, such as kidney disease

Get advice from 111 now if:

  • you’re worried about a baby under 12 months
  • your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
  • a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration – such as fewer wet nappies
  • you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
  • you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
  • you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
  • you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days

111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

  • vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
  • have green vomit (adults)
  • have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
  • might have swallowed something poisonous
  • have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
  • have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache

Covid-19

Symptoms of Covid-19 are very similar to symptoms of other common illnesses, such as cold and flu. If you think you have Covid-19, visit NHS.UK for advice about symptoms, looking after yourself at home, treatments and vaccination.

NHS.UK: advice about Covid-19