Winter is a beautiful time of year but can also trigger common winter illnesses.

Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and characterised by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and tiredness, plus a dry cough, sore throat and congestion. Colds have similar symptoms, but caused by a different virus, and usually less severe. Recovery is usually 2- 7 days. Flu may be complicated by developing more severe infections such as bronchitis or secondary bacterial pneumonia.

The virus is spread by tiny droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone breathes in the droplets or touches surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touch their nose or mouth, they can become infected.

Managing symptoms includes rest, drinking plenty of water to keep well hydrated, and keeping warm. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for fever and pain, and good hygiene and hand washing to help prevent the virus spreading. Antibiotics won’t work for flu, but they may be used if you develop a secondary bacterial infection such as a chest infection.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is another virus that causes a respiratory tract illness and can be severe in infants. Most children with bronchiolitis have mild symptoms and recover within 2-3 weeks. Symptoms include a rasping and persistent dry cough, wheeze, brief pauses in breathing, feeding less and vomiting.