Medically reviewed by Hajra Dhanchora, MPharm (GPhC 2216990) · Last reviewed August 2026
Most colds and mild flu clear up on their own within a week or two. Antibiotics don't work on the viruses that cause them, so the aim at home is to stay comfortable, rest well and give your body what it needs to recover — while knowing the few signs that mean you should get help.
Is it a cold or the flu?
Colds and flu are both caused by viruses and share many symptoms, but they tend to feel different:
- A cold usually comes on gradually. It mainly affects the nose and throat — sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat and a mild cough. You can normally carry on with most day-to-day activities.
- Flu tends to come on quickly and makes you feel exhausted. A sudden high temperature, aching muscles, a headache and feeling too unwell to go about your normal routine are more typical of flu than a cold.
You can't always tell the two apart, and it isn't usually necessary to — the home care below helps with both.
How long does a cold or flu last?
A typical cold lasts around 7 to 10 days, though a lingering cough or a bit of a runny nose can hang on for a little longer. Flu usually starts to improve within 1 to 2 weeks, but tiredness and a cough can take longer to fully settle — a cough after a viral infection can last up to three weeks. If you feel like you're getting better and then suddenly get worse again, it's worth getting advice.
Are colds and flu contagious?
Yes. Both spread easily through the tiny droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, and by touching surfaces the virus has landed on. With flu you're generally most infectious in the first 3 to 5 days, often starting from around a day before your symptoms appear. To avoid passing it on, catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, bin it, and wash your hands regularly. If you have a high temperature or don't feel well enough, it's sensible to stay home and rest.
Easing your symptoms at home
There's no cure that makes a virus disappear, but several simple measures make a real difference to how you feel:
- Rest and fluids. Get plenty of rest and drink enough that you're not thirsty. Warm drinks can be soothing for a sore throat or blocked nose.
- Pain and fever relief. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease aches, a sore throat and a high temperature — always follow the instructions on the label and don't take more than one product containing the same ingredient at once (many cold-and-flu remedies already contain paracetamol).
- Blocked nose. A decongestant, a saline spray or steam inhalation may help you breathe more easily.
- Cough and sore throat. Honey and lemon in warm water, lozenges or a simple cough syrup can soothe. Honey shouldn't be given to babies under one.
You'll find these remedies in our Cold, Flu & Cough range, and our pharmacist can help you pick the right one — especially if you already take other medicines.
Can you get rid of the flu in 24 hours?
It's one of the most searched questions — but honestly, no. Flu is a viral infection your immune system needs time to clear, and there's no remedy that cuts it to a day. What you can do is help yourself feel noticeably better, faster: rest properly rather than pushing through, keep your fluids up, and use paracetamol or ibuprofen to take the edge off the aches and fever. Trying to carry on as normal usually drags recovery out.
"Stomach flu" is not the same thing
Despite the name, "stomach flu" (with diarrhoea and vomiting) isn't influenza at all — it's usually a tummy bug such as norovirus. The advice differs: focus on small, frequent sips of fluid to avoid dehydration, and see our pharmacist about rehydration sachets if you need them. Seek advice sooner for babies, older adults, or anyone who can't keep fluids down.
Should you have the flu jab?
The annual flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to people at higher risk of complications — including those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, young children, and people with certain long-term health conditions. If you're eligible it's the best way to reduce your chance of getting flu. Having a mild cold usually isn't a reason to delay your jab, but if you're unwell with a high temperature it's best to wait until you've recovered.
When to get advice
Speak to your pharmacist or GP if:
- your symptoms last more than three weeks or keep getting worse;
- you're pregnant, have a long-term condition (such as asthma, heart, kidney or lung disease), or a weakened immune system;
- you're worried about a baby or young child, or an older or frail relative.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has difficulty breathing, sudden chest pain, coughs up blood, or becomes confused or very drowsy. For urgent advice when it's not an emergency, call NHS 111.
Common questions
How long am I contagious with flu? Usually for about 3 to 5 days after symptoms start, sometimes from a day before.
Can I take a decongestant with paracetamol? Often yes, but check the label — many all-in-one cold remedies already contain paracetamol, so you could double up by accident. Ask our pharmacist if you're unsure.
Do I need antibiotics? No — colds and flu are viral, and antibiotics don't work against viruses. They're only needed if a bacterial complication develops, which a clinician would assess.
Still not sure what will help? Our GPhC-registered pharmacists are happy to advise — visit Talk to a Pharmacist.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. If you're concerned about your symptoms, please speak to your pharmacist, GP or NHS 111.