Cold, Flu or Covid-19?

Having a cold or the flu is common during the short, cold days of winter. We now have Covid-19 to think about as well. A cold is usually a mild illness but the flu and Covid-19 may require different treatment, so it’s good to know the difference.

Colds, influenza (the flu) and Covid-19 all affect your airways and how you breathe. This means they are easily confused with one another. If you are having respiratory issues please contact your health provider straight away.

Is it a cold, flu or Covid-19?

Nurse Cold and Flu assessments

Cervical screening at Cambridge Medical Centre

We offer a Nurse led assessment service for patients with cold and flu symptoms. You will be assessed by a Nurse who will provide you with advice and determine if there is a need to see a GP. Our Nurses are highly skilled clinical staff members and we ask that you please respect their advice and decision if they decide you do not need to see a GP. Please note there is a charge for this service.

About Flu

The flu virus affects your whole body. Symptoms come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, and stomach upsets. It can keep you in bed for a week or more.

Cold or Flu??

Mental health at Cambridge Medical Centre

Why It's Important To Get Your Flu Vaccine

As the winter season arrives there’s a much bigger chance of catching the flu. With international borders open, we’ll see new strains of flu spreading in our communities. Getting a flu vaccine is your best defence, it helps reduce your risk of getting really sick or having to go to hospital.

The flu virus affects your whole body. Symptoms come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, and stomach upsets. It can keep you in bed for a week or more.

It can give you pneumonia. In severe cases it may mean a hospital stay – particularly if you’re older, a young child, pregnant, or have ongoing medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Flu jabs are safe to give at the same time as other immunisations.

To book your flu vaccine please call us on 07 8277184 to make an appointment with a nurse.

Walk-in Flu Vaccine Clinics

Monday 31/03/2025
CLOSED
Tuesday 01/04/2025
OPEN 8.30am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Wednesday 02/04/2025
OPEN 8.30am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Thursday 03/04/2025
OPEN 8.30am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Friday 04/04/2025
CLOSED

To Find Out More About The Flu Vaccine

Mask wearing

Mask wearing is still an important part of protection against cold/flu and covid and is encouraged whilst at Cambridge Medical Centre. We continue to do regular health and safety assessments to determine risk for staff and patients and how best to manage this. We want everyone to feel protected and therefore we continue to screen all patients for symptoms and prefer to manage any symptomatic patients virtually to reduce the risk of spreading covid and other illnesses.

We have a large waiting room which enables patients to spread out and not have to sit close to other patients. You are encouraged to wear a mask if you choose to and we can provide one for you if you forget to bring your own.

Please note that if you have symptoms and have been asked to attend Cambridge Medical Centre for a face to face appointment you will be required to wear a mask.