Nurse Rachel Martinez has explained how to tell the difference between flu and colds (Image: NHS / Getty)

A leading North East nurse has explained how members of the public can distinguish between colds and the flu this winter - as a so-called "tidal wave" of illnes s hits the NHS . Rachel Martinez, advanced nurse practitioner lead at the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust has explained how dangerous flu can be and how members of the public can help stop it spreading.

Ms Martinez has answered twenty common questions in a video produced by the hospital trust - which manages healthcare settings across Northumberland and North Tyneside . These include how the signs of a cold differ from flu, and she also busts myths around the causes of the illness.

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