Before we begin

This symptom checker is only suitable for adults and children over 5 years of age. The advice we give you may be unsafe for a child under the age of 5.

If you are caring for a child under the age of 5 (but over the age of 1 year) who you think has a cold or the flu, call the National Pandemic Fluline Service (NPFS) on 0800 1 513 100. For a child under 1 year, contact your GP. For deaf or hard of hearing people, you can contact the NPFS minicom service on 0800 1 513 200. You can also visit their website.

Some questions in this symptom checker are designed to make sure you don't have more serious medical problems.

So make sure you answer all questions carefully, even if some do not seem relevant to you.

If you are using the symptom checker on behalf of someone else please remember that the questions will be about them.

The number of new cases of swine flu in England has dropped in recent weeks. However, the virus is not expected to go away for a while. Experts still expect there to be an increase in cases in the autumn when schools reopen and the traditional UK flu season begins.

NHS Direct Online cannot issue antiviral medicines; these can only be provided by the National Pandemic Fluline Service (NPFS).

If you have cold or flu symptoms or are worried you might have caught swine flu:

Please note that this service is provided for people in England only. For health advice and information in other parts of the UK please visit the NHS in Northern Ireland, the NHS 24 (Scotland) or NHS Direct Wales.

If you would like general health information, visit NHS Choices, call 0845 4647, or use NHS Choices digital TV on Freeview (channel 100). If you require information in different languages please call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

This information is used only by NHS Direct to provide you with advice and information. It is not shared with other organisations, or stored or combined with any other medical records held by your GP or local NHS provider.