Internal Medicine, by video or in person
Colds, Flu and Catarrh in Adults
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Colds, Flu and Catarrh in Adults
- Catarrh, a running or blocked nose, and sneezing
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Cough, dry or with phlegm
- Fever, chills and aching muscles, especially with flu
- Headache and tiredness
Colds and flu are infections of the nose, throat and airways caused by viruses. A cold brings catarrh, sneezing, a blocked or running nose and a mild sore throat, and usually clears within ten days. Flu comes on faster, with fever, chills, headache and aching muscles, and can leave you exhausted for a week or more. Antibiotics do not work against either. In Nigeria a fever with body aches can also be malaria or typhoid, so a fever that does not settle within two days should be tested rather than treated as a cold.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Catarrh, a running or blocked nose, and sneezing
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Cough, dry or with phlegm
- Fever, chills and aching muscles, especially with flu
- Headache and tiredness
- Pressure around the eyes and cheeks
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a fever lasts more than two days, symptoms are getting worse after a week, catarrh with face pain lasts more than ten days, or you have diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease, sickle cell disease, or are pregnant. Go to a hospital or emergency department now for difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, lips turning blue, or being unable to keep fluids down.
Treatment options
- Rest, plenty of fluids and warm drinks
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches, at the dose on the pack
- Steam, saline nose drops and honey for cough in adults
- A malaria test when there is fever, rather than taking antimalarials first
- Antiviral medicine for flu in people at high risk, prescribed by a doctor
Common Questions
Do I need antibiotics for catarrh?
Almost never. Catarrh is usually caused by a virus and clears by itself. Antibiotics help only when a doctor finds a bacterial infection such as sinusitis that has not settled after ten days or more.
Is it a cold, or is it malaria?
They can feel alike at the start, with fever, headache and aches. A blood test is the only way to know. If you have a fever for more than a day or two, get tested before taking any antimalarial.
Can a doctor help by video?
Yes. A doctor can go through your symptoms, tell you whether you need a test or a visit in person, and advise on what will ease them, without you leaving home while you feel unwell.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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