Flu, COVID or a Cold? When to See a Doctor This Winter, and How to Recover Faster
Most winter viruses get better on their own within about a week, and the skill is knowing when they are not. Flu usually starts suddenly, with a high temperature, aching muscles and exhaustion that put you in bed. COVID-19 can look identical. A cold comes on gradually, with a blocked or runny nose and sore throat, and you can usually keep going. The 2026 to 2027 season has started. In the UK Health Security Agency report published on 8 October 2026, flu positivity in GP samples rose to 10.0%, with the highest rate in 18 to 24-year-olds at 28.1%, emergency department attendances for flu-like illness were above expected levels, and COVID-19 was rising from low levels. Uptake of the free NHS flu vaccine was lower than last season, at 9.9% of people aged 65 and over so far. See a doctor promptly if you are in a higher-risk group, because antiviral medicine works best within 48 hours of symptoms starting, or if you become breathless, develop chest pain, feel confused, or start to recover and then get worse again. At The Wellness you can be seen the same day by video from £150, in person from £220, or at home from £495, with a second household member seen in the same visit from £195. Fees appear further down this page.
Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 10 October 2026, using the UKHSA surveillance report of 8 October 2026.
See a doctor today on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
Key facts for this winter
Flu and COVID-19 are both rising in England as of early October 2026, according to UKHSA.
Flu comes on suddenly with fever, aches and exhaustion, while a cold builds gradually.
Antivirals for flu work best within 48 hours and are mainly for people at higher risk.
Antibiotics do not treat flu, COVID-19 or colds, which are caused by viruses.
You can self-certify sickness for up to 7 days, and need a fit note after that.
Is it flu, COVID-19 or a cold
Flu typically starts within hours. A temperature of 38C or above, aching muscles, chills, headache, a dry cough and exhaustion are common, and many people cannot get out of bed for 2 or 3 days.
COVID-19 can cause the same symptoms, along with a sore throat, blocked nose, and sometimes a change in taste or smell. The only reliable way to tell the two apart is a test.
A cold comes on gradually. Sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and a sore throat dominate, fever is mild or absent, and most people can carry on with daily life.
For all three, most healthy adults improve within about a week, although a cough and tiredness can last 2 to 3 weeks.
What helps you recover
Rest, fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches, if they are suitable for you. Stay at home while you have a high temperature or feel unwell, to avoid spreading the virus.
Antibiotics do not help, because these infections are caused by viruses. Taking them unnecessarily causes side effects and adds to antibiotic resistance.
For flu, antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir can shorten illness and reduce complications in people at higher risk, when flu is circulating, and they work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms. A doctor decides whether they are right for you.
Ask whether you need antivirals on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.
Who should see a doctor early
People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and people with long-term conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or a weakened immune system. These groups are more likely to develop complications and more likely to benefit from antivirals.
Anyone whose symptoms are severe, or who is not improving after a week.
Anyone who starts to recover and then gets worse again, which can be a sign of a secondary bacterial chest infection.
When to call 999 or go to A&E
Call 999 for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips or skin, sudden confusion, a seizure, or if someone is very drowsy and hard to wake.
For children, call 999 if they are struggling to breathe, unusually drowsy or floppy, or have a rash that does not fade under a glass.
Who can have a free flu or COVID-19 vaccine
The NHS flu vaccine is offered free this autumn to adults aged 65 and over, adults under 65 in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, children aged 2 and 3, school-age children, carers, care home residents and some other groups.
The autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccine is offered to people aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and people aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system.
If you are not eligible on the NHS, you can still be vaccinated privately, and a doctor can advise on which vaccines suit you.
Do you need a fit note
In the UK, you can self-certify sickness for up to 7 days. After that, your employer can ask for a fit note from a doctor. A doctor can issue one after assessing you, stating whether you are not fit for work or may be fit with adjustments.
What does it cost to see a private doctor for flu in London
Membership practices in central London charge annual retainers running into thousands and then £400 to £600 or more per visit, Harley Street GP consultations sit at £250 to £350, and visiting doctor services commonly charge £195 to £350 in the daytime and more at night.
At The Wellness each appointment is a single fee, with prescriptions and fit notes included. All figures are from prices.
Platinum Membership, from £17,450 a year. Signature Membership, with same-day access to a doctor all winter, from £6,950 a year or £610 a month.
On-site vaccination clinic day at your workplace, from £4,995.
Home, hotel or office visit, evenings and weekends from £695 and daytime from £495, with a second household member from £195.
In-person consultation, 30 minutes with examination, from £220. Adult vaccination consultation, from £220, with vaccines quoted per course.
Same-day video consultation, including a fit note where needed, from £150.
Appointments are available 7 days a week by video, at our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia, or at home.
Why patients choose The Wellness this winter
Because you can be seen today, usually within hours, without leaving bed if you are too unwell to travel.
Because the whole household can be seen in one home visit.
Because antivirals are considered early for people who need them, when they work best.
Because the chest is examined properly when breathing is affected, rather than guessed at.
And because fit notes and prescriptions are included in the appointment.
Related reading
Persistent cough and chest infection covers coughs that will not settle, sore throat, tonsillitis and sinusitis covers throat and sinus infections, adult vaccinations covers flu, COVID-19, RSV and shingles vaccines, private GP home visits covers doctors who come to you, and private sick note and fit note covers time off work.
Book a same-day appointment on WhatsApp or call 020 3951 3429.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have flu or a cold
Flu starts suddenly with a high temperature, aching muscles and exhaustion that often keep you in bed. A cold builds gradually with a blocked or runny nose and sore throat, and you can usually carry on. COVID-19 can look like either, and only a test tells it apart.
How long does flu last
Most healthy adults feel better within about a week, although a cough and tiredness can last 2 to 3 weeks.
Can a doctor give me antivirals for flu
Yes, where appropriate. Antivirals such as oseltamivir are mainly for people at higher risk of complications, when flu is circulating, and work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms.
Do I need antibiotics for flu or COVID-19
No. Both are caused by viruses, so antibiotics do not help. They are only used if a bacterial complication, such as pneumonia, develops.
When should I see a doctor with flu
If you are in a higher-risk group, if you are short of breath, if symptoms are severe or not improving after a week, or if you start to recover and then get worse. Call 999 for chest pain, severe breathlessness or confusion.
How much does a private doctor cost for flu in London
At The Wellness a same-day video consultation is from £150, an in-person consultation from £220 and a home visit from £495, with a second household member seen in the same visit from £195.
The Wellness is a doctor-led private healthcare group providing medical care from our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only following a consultation and clinical assessment. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.
Enquire now on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
