Cold, Flu & Chest Infections: GP-Led Care in Preston
Colds, flu and chest infections can cause similar symptoms, including cough, fever, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. Most improve with time, but severe symptoms need proper care. At My Private Clinic, Dr Faizal examines you, identifies the cause and recommends the right treatment.
Same-day appointments · Assessed in person · No referral needed
Cold & flu treatment by an expert GP in Preston
Colds, flu and chest infections are all infections of the respiratory system, but they are not the same. The NHS describes the common cold as a mild viral infection of the nose and throat that clears on its own, while flu usually comes on abruptly and hits harder, with fever, body aches and exhaustion.
A chest infection is common after a cold or flu. These infections affect the airways and lungs and can be more concerning, especially in older adults or people with other health conditions. To make sure you get timely care, Dr Faizal will examine your chest, review your symptoms, and may arrange a full blood count to check for infection.
You can also see Dr Faizal about your children’s health if they have a cold or flu, or book a private GP consultation for yourself.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Last updated August 2026
Cold vs flu symptoms: how to tell the difference
Cold and flu symptoms overlap, but there are useful clues. A cold usually starts slowly and stays mild, while flu hits hard and feels much more severe.
Symptoms of a cold
- A runny or stuffy nose and sneezing
- A painful, sore throat
- A light, tickly cough
- Feeling unwell but still able to function
Flu symptoms
- A sudden high temperature and shivering
- Headache or aching muscles and body
- Extreme fatigue and tiredness
- Feeling too unwell to carry on as normal
If your symptoms are more likely to be hay fever than a cold, Dr Faizal can arrange allergy testing to tell them apart.
Chest infection symptoms: when to seek urgent help
Chest infection symptoms include a cough with yellow or green phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing and feeling more breathless than usual. These are common, but the NHS advises seeking urgent medical care if you:
- Difficulty breathing or breathlessness at rest
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- A very high temperature or feeling hot and shivery
- Feeling confused, drowsy or very unwell
- Symptoms in a baby, an older adult, or someone with a heart or lung condition
- Symptoms that are not improving, or are getting worse
These signs can point towards pneumonia or another serious infection that needs a same-day assessment. If you have sudden, severe breathlessness or chest pain, or are seriously unwell, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E. This page is information, not a substitute for urgent care.
What causes cold and flu?
Most colds, flu and chest infections are caused by viruses, which spread easily from person to person. A few key points worth knowing:
- Most colds, flu and chest infections are caused by viruses
- They spread easily through coughs, sneezes and touch
- A cold usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, while flu can leave you tired for longer
- Sometimes a viral infection is followed by a bacterial one, which may need treatment
- Chest infections can be contagious, depending on the cause
If you keep catching infections or feel run down, Dr Faizal may suggest a Full Health MOT to help identify an underlying cause.
Common colds, flu & infections Dr Faizal treats
The Common Cold
The common cold is usually mild. Dr Faizal can check whether anything more serious is going on and advise you on the best way to relieve your symptoms.
Flu (Influenza)
Flu is more severe than a cold and can cause fever, headaches and body aches. Dr Faizal assesses your symptoms, checks for complications, and prescribes where clinically appropriate.
Chest Infections & Bronchitis
Infections of the airways and lungs are most often viral and settle without antibiotics. Dr Faizal will assess whether you need treatment or a prescription.
Sore Throat & Sinus Infections
A sore throat or blocked sinuses often follow a cold or flu. Dr Faizal can confirm whether the cause is viral or bacterial and treat accordingly.
Chesty Cough
A chesty cough brings up phlegm from the airways. Dr Faizal can examine your chest, review your symptoms, and advise on the right treatment.
If you cannot make it to the clinic, Dr Faizal can also see you by video consultation or arrange a home visit.
How Dr Faizal treats flu & chest infections
Here is how your cold, flu or chest infection treatment journey with our GP will work:
Detailed Check-Up
Dr Faizal discusses your symptoms, examines you and assesses whether you have a viral illness, a bacterial chest infection, or something else, before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
Symptom Relief & Self-Care
Guidance on rest, fluids and suitable over-the-counter remedies using MHRA-approved medicines. If you are very dehydrated, Dr Faizal can advise whether an IV drip is appropriate for you.
Antibiotics If Needed
Where an infection has a bacterial cause, Dr Faizal prescribes in line with NICE guidance and BNF antibacterial advice, so your symptoms are managed appropriately.
When It Is More Serious
If your symptoms point towards pneumonia or another serious infection, Dr Faizal can arrange urgent treatment, a home visit if you are too unwell to travel, or a specialist referral for hospital care.
Where a bacterial infection is likely, Dr Faizal prescribes in line with NICE guidance. If specialist care is needed, he writes a specialist referral during your appointment.
"I'd been putting off a conversation about my blood pressure for months. Dr Secretary gave me 30 minutes and went through everything properly. I left with my prescription and a referral already sorted."
"My son had a high temperature on a Saturday morning. We were seen the same day. The doctor was calm, thorough, and explained everything clearly. At £49, absolutely worth it for the peace of mind alone."
"The doctor didn't make me feel stupid for leaving things. He was straightforward, ran some bloods, and when I needed referring on, the letter was ready before I left the room. No extra charge."
Your GP for cold & flu treatment in Preston
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP based in Fulwood, Preston. He trained in the UK, holds a medical degree from the University of Manchester, and a BSc with Distinction from Imperial College London. He is a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and has experience across both NHS and private general practice.
BSc (Hons) · MBChB · MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Seeing patients in Preston since 2017
Why choose My Private Clinic for cold & flu treatment?
Named GP Every Time
Dr Secretary personally assesses and prescribes. Not a locum, not remote.
CQC-Registered
Independently regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Same Day Available
Appointments are often available the same day. Call or WhatsApp to check.
Evenings & Weekends
Mon to Thu 5 to 8pm, Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm.
FAQs about cold, flu & respiratory infections
What is the difference between a cold and flu?
A cold usually starts slowly and mainly affects your nose and throat, while flu affects your whole body more severely and can cause a fever, headaches, body aches and severe tiredness that come on quickly.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu can cause a high temperature, chills, muscle aches, headaches, tiredness and a dry cough. Some people also get a runny or stuffy nose and a sore throat. These symptoms tend to appear rapidly.
How long does the flu last?
Flu often lasts around 5 to 7 days, although a cough and tiredness can persist for up to 2 weeks. If your symptoms are not improving after about a week, it is worth being seen. Dr Faizal offers same-day consultations.
What are the 5 stages of a cold?
A cold typically moves through incubation (you have the virus but no symptoms), early symptoms, peak symptoms, recovery beginning and full recovery. It often starts with a sore throat and runny nose, peaks with congestion and a cough, then settles over 1 to 2 weeks.
What helps a cold and flu fast?
Rest, plenty of fluids and suitable over-the-counter remedies help while your body clears the infection. Colds and flu take time to settle rather than clearing instantly. If you feel very unwell, a same-day GP consultation with Dr Faizal is the safest option.
Do I need antibiotics for a chest infection?
Not always. Most chest infections are caused by viruses and settle without antibiotics. If your symptoms are not improving or a bacterial cause is likely, Dr Faizal will assess whether antibiotics are appropriate.
Are chest infections contagious?
They can be, depending on the cause. If you have symptoms of a cold, flu or chest infection, you can book a same-day consultation with Dr Faizal for assessment and advice.
Can I be seen the same day for cold, flu and chest infection treatment?
Yes. You can book a same-day consultation with Dr Faizal if you would like to be assessed quickly for cold, flu or chest infection symptoms.
Can Dr Faizal see children with cold, flu and chest infections?
Yes. As part of our children’s health service, Dr Faizal assesses children with colds, flu, chest infections, tonsillitis and other common illnesses.
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Fatima Health Centre
228 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston
PR2 9QB
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Friday 9am–8pm
Saturday 9am–1pm
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