Chest infection

Common in people of all ages, chest infections can occur alongside a cold or flu. Discover more about its causes, symptoms and treatment options.

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Respiratory syncytial virus

RSV infects a person's airways and lungs. Learn about the causes, treatment and prevention of RSV, and how to stop the virus from spreading.

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Pleurisy

Pleurisy occurs when the lining of the lungs become inflamed, most often due to a recent respiratory tract infection. Read about causes and treatments.

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10 tips to fight the flu – infographic

Flu vaccine and good hygiene are some of the most important ways to help prevent colds and flu. Here's a handy list of tips to fight the flu.

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Cold or flu? (infographic)

Explore this infographic to compare colds and flu symptoms, debunk the most common myths and learn more about the flu vaccine.

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Fever in children - infographic

When should a child with a fever see a doctor? How do I treat a fever at home? Answer these questions and more with this infographic about fever in children.

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Glandular fever symptoms

Glandular fever (also called the ‘kissing disease’) is an infectious disease which is common in teenagers and young adults. Find out more about the symptoms of glandular fever.

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Colds and flu in babies and children

Here is information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of coughs, colds and flu in children and babies and when to seek medical advice.

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Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) which causes you to sound hoarse or to lose your voice. You can find out more on our trusted partner pages.

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Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a chest infection that affects a child’s ability to breathe freely. It usually appears in children under 12 months old.

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Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' disease is a severe and sometimes life-threatening form of pneumonia. Read more information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

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Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection and swelling of the tonsils at the back of the throat. Learn about its symptoms and treatments.

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Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the larger airways in your lungs, which causes an ongoing cough. Learn how to reduce the risk of bronchitis.

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Colds and flu statistics

Trusted facts and figures about colds and flu (influenza), including statistics on different types of flu, risk levels, outbreaks and pandemics.

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Colds and flu types

More than 200 types of viruses can cause a cold, as well as various types of flu viruses. Find out about the different types of colds and flu.

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Colds and flu diagnosis

If you are generally healthy, you probably won’t need to see a doctor to diagnose a cold. Find out about diagnosis of colds and flu.

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Colds and flu symptoms

Symptoms of a cold can include:sore throat, fever (a temperature of 38 °C or higher), sneezing, blocked or runny nose and cough. Learn about cold and flu symptoms.

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Sinusitis

Sinusitis is when the hollow spaces in the bones of your face become inflamed. Sinusitis is a common symptom for colds and the flu and it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.

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What causes colds and flu?

Colds and flu (influenza) are very contagious viral infections and you can catch a cold or flu at any time of the year, not just in winter. Learn about causes cold and flu symptoms.

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Colds and flu prevention

Good hygiene is one of the most important ways to help prevent colds and flu (influenza). Find out how to prevent colds and flu.

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How colds and flu impact blood donations — and how you can help

Up to 1,400 people per day are cancelling their blood donation appointments, following an early start to the cold and flu season. Here's how your donation can help.

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Hand washing

Hand washing is also one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection by the accumulation of germs on your hands.

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Doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibiotic medicine. This page explains what doxycycline is used for, how it works, its risks and other treatment options available in its place.

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Coughs, colds and ear infections in children

It’s normal for a child to have 8 or more colds per year. Read this article to find out more about common childhood ailments.

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All about colds and flu

Learn all about colds and flu, such as prevention and treatment, getting vaccinations and how to look after children.

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Endoscopic sinus surgery

Sinusitis is not usually serious but it can cause unpleasant symptoms. If medication does not help, endoscopic sinus surgery should help prevent the sinusitis from coming back.

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Sore throat (pharyngitis)

A sore throat is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection and is common with a cold or flu. Learn more about the self-care of sore throats.

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Colds and flu treatments

If you have a cold or flu (influenza) there are a number of ways you can treat your symptoms, although most people will usually get better within 7-10 days without any treatment.

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Fever

A high temperature is a normal response to infection and can be a common sign of a cold or flu. Learn about how to take a temperature reading and self-care advice.

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COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for certain long-term lung conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

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