What the NHS says about getting the flu jab if you have a cold - and who is eligible

Thousands of people are being urged to get the flu vaccination this winter due to fears of a co-infection with coronavirus.

Health officials have warned that the viruses could be circulating at the same time, which could see people become very ill should they be infected by both together.

Cold and flu bugs become much more common in winter, so the flu vaccination programme has been expanded across the UK this year to allow more people to be eligible.

But can you have a flu jab if you already have cold symptoms? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are the symptoms of flu?

Flu symptoms typically come on very quickly and are similar to that of a cold. However, if you have the flu, these symptoms tend to be more severe.

According to the NHS, common symptoms include:

A sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or aboveAn aching bodyFeeling tired or exhaustedA dry coughA sore throatA headacheDifficulty sleepingLoss of appetiteDiarrhoea or tummy painFeeling sick and being sick

The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.

If I have cold symptoms, can I have the flu jab?

The NHS advises that if you are ill with a high temperature or fever, you should wait until you are better before getting the flu vaccine.

However, cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, should not prevent you from receiving the jab.

Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?

The full list of people who are currently eligible for the free NHS flu programme includes people who: