This amazing 'flu algorithm' can tell you if you have the flu or just a cold

We are in the grips of one of the worst flu seasons in years.

In the US alone, flu-related hospitalisations rose to about 60 people of every 100,000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report.

In Britain, Public Health England said there were 205 confirmed cases of influenza being cared for in intensive care units and high dependency units.

So it’s no surprise people have taken to Twitter to talk about symptoms, asking how to tell if you have the flu or just a common cold.

One user shared this hilarious flu “algorithm” diagram to help people work it out.

Other people like Dr Keith Grimes said his favourite “diagnostic tool” is asking whether the sickly person would “get off the couch to get £100 from the mantelpiece. If they would, it isn’t flu."

How to tell if you might have the flu

Flu symptoms can come on very quickly, the NHS writes on its website. Symptoms can include:

Fever - temperature of 38C or above

Body aches

Feeling tired or exhausted

Dry, chesty cough

Sore throat

Headache

Difficulty sleeping

Loss of appetite

When it comes to treating the flu, the NHS recommends resting, sleeping and keeping warm. And if you’re worried about you or your babies symptoms, you can call 111 for help.

HT IFL Science

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