12 Dec 2025
Just a cold? Or floored with flu? NHS 24’s tips to safely self-manage symptoms
This winter, cases of flu are notably high, making it more important than ever to stay vigilant as colds and flu circulate widely. NHS 24 is offering advice on how to distinguish between these two common viruses, tips for safely managing symptoms at home, and guidance on when and how to seek further help if you need it.
Colds and flu are both viral infections that affect all ages - typically causing symptoms like a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, and muscle aches. Flu tends to hit harder and faster, often leaving you feeling wiped out and unable to carry on as normal. Overcrowded spaces, close contact, and chilly weather all play a part in spreading these bugs.
Dr Julie Ronald, Associate Medical Director for Acute Care at NHS 24 explains:
“It’s the time of year when we’re all indoors more, sharing space and germs. The downside? Colds and flu can strike, making you feel miserable just when you want to enjoy the festive season.”
To help avoid catching or spreading colds and flu, NHS 24 recommends:
- Get your flu vaccination if you are eligible
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids if you feel unwell
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease aches and fever
- Speak to your pharmacist for advice on remedies
Most cases are easily managed at home. However, contact your GP if you experience severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or if symptoms persist beyond two weeks.
Dr Ronald adds:
“Because colds and flu are caused by viral infections they don’t respond to antibiotics. The best way to recover from symptoms is to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over the counter remedies.
“Colds and flu are usually short-lived and can be managed with simple steps. By looking after yourself and others, you can spend more time enjoying the season and less time feeling under the weather.”
For more advice or to use NHS 24’s symptom checkers for common illnesses and ailments, visit NHS inform.
Contact Information
Gillian Morrison
Communications Manager - External
NHS 24
gillian.morrison@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk
- During office hours: NHS24.hqcommunications@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk (NHS 24 Communications Team)
- Out of hours: 0330 123 3241 (duty press officer)
Notes to editors
- Please see attached video link featuring Dr Julie Ronald explaining the differences between colds and flu and how to safely manage symptoms at home. If you require the video file, please contact NHS 24's comms team.
- Audio clip of Dr Julie Ronald also available on request.
- NHS inform flu guidance page: https://nhs24.info/flu
- Flu symptom checker: https://nhs24.info/flu-symptom-checker
- NHS inform winter illness hub: https://nhs24.info/winter-illness
About us
We are Scotland’s provider of digital and telephone-based health and care services. Our services include:
- 111 – providing urgent care triage for anyone who thinks they need A&E, but it is not life or limb threatening, support for those in mental health distress and advice when their GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.
- NHSinform.scot - Scotland's online health information service that offers quality assured health and care information including - Symptom checker, Scotland’s Service Directory and Mental health advice and resources.
- Breathing Space a free and confidential phone and web chat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.
- Care Information Scotland (CIS) a phone, webchat and website service providing information about care services for people living in Scotland.
- Quit Your Way Scotland an advice and support service for anyone trying to stop smoking in Scotland.
- Living Life a phone service that offers support to people in Scotland who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression or symptoms of anxiety through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
NHS 24 Online app
Our app ‘NHS 24 Online’ provides people in Scotland an additional channel to find out more about their symptoms, how to safely self-manage illnesses and conditions, and when and where to see further medical advice if required. NHS 24 Online is free and can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.
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For all applicants hoping to join the organisation, our careers section of our website provides key information including:
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Work is continually ongoing to ensure our services are accessible.
You can access 111 in diverse ways:
- Language Line - If English is not your first or preferred language, you can use the free interpretation service Language Line.
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- Relay UK. - If you use a textphone you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111. Or you can contact NHS 24 with the Relay UK app.
NHS inform provides health information online in 24 different languages, British Sign Language (BSL), Audio, Easy Read, and Large Print. For more information on this see: nhsinform.scot/translations/
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