Dealing with colds and flu

A sudden high fever with aching all over may be flu, not a cold.

Telling them apart

• Cold — starts gradually. Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat. Little or no fever. Usually better after a few days' rest.
• Flu (influenza) — sudden high fever, severe aching, muscle pain, chills. Antiviral medication after a consultation helps. The earlier you go, the better.

What to do

1. Rest, drink plenty and sleep well — that is the foundation.
2. For fever, you may use an antipyretic. See otc-medicine.
3. Go to a clinic if you have high fever, breathing difficulty or severe aching.
4. If flu is suspected, be seen as early as possible.
5. Wear a mask and reduce contact with others.

When you must see a doctor

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Fever lasting several days
• Clouded consciousness or extreme lethargy
• A child who cannot drink or is floppy
• Older people, pregnant women and those with chronic illness should go sooner.

Prevention

• Handwashing is the most effective measure.
• Flu vaccination — annually, before the season. See vaccination-adults.
• Ventilation and enough sleep.
• Rest when ill. Not passing it on at work or school matters.

Where to go

• Local internal medicine, family medicine or ENT clinic
• 1339 Korea Disease Control Agency
• e-gen www.e-gen.or.kr (night and holiday care)
• Public health centre (vaccination)

Questions people ask

Should I ask for antibiotics? Colds and flu are viral, so antibiotics don't work. Follow the doctor's judgement. See medicine-safety.

I need documents for my employer. After the consultation, request a medical certificate or note. See sick-note-work.

Is it expensive without insurance? Your share is higher than for members. Look into public health centres and free clinics too. See free-clinics.

Where do I get the flu jab? At a public health centre or local clinic. Support is available for certain groups.

Take care

Don't double up on fever medication. Taking several products with the same ingredient is dangerous. Tell the pharmacist what you are already taking. Never share adult medication with a child.

Related

otc-medicine · medicine-safety · vaccination-adults · covid-guidance · sick-note-work

Source

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency www.kdca.go.kr / As of 2026-08