Colds and flu on treatment: rest, fluids and when to call

Colds are usually mild infections of the upper airways. Typical signs include a runny nose, cough or sore throat, and sometimes a raised temperature. Flu (influenza) can start more suddenly with fever, marked tiredness, muscle or head pain and a dry cough, but it can also look less typical (RKI; gesund.bund.de; NHS).

The EU product information for these medicines lists reduced appetite and digestive symptoms such as nausea among common effects (EMA product information). Together with a cold or flu, that can mean you eat and drink less than usual. Planning fluids and small, easy meals helps you stay nourished while you recover.

Public health advice for colds and other respiratory infections is to rest, drink enough and ease symptoms as needed. Most colds do not need antibiotics, because they are usually caused by viruses (gesund.bund.de; NHS).

Sip water, unsweetened tea or clear broths regularly, even if you are not thirsty. Warm drinks can soothe a sore throat. If you have a fever, fluids matter even more. Keep tissues and a glass of water within easy reach so you do not have to get up often.

When you feel unwell, small, plain meals are often easier than large ones: soup, soft bread, yoghurt, scrambled egg, or soft fruit. Eat slowly and stop when you feel full. If nausea is already present from treatment, cold or room-temperature foods may sit more comfortably than very hot or fatty dishes.

You do not need to force a full plate. Across the day, a few small portions plus regular drinks are a calmer goal. If you cannot keep food or fluids down, contact your doctor.

Each weekly injection and daily tablet comes with its own instructions on timing and what to do if you miss a dose. You find these in the package leaflet (EMA product information).

If vomiting, diarrhoea or very low fluid intake makes your usual day or time hard to keep, ask your prescribing doctor or pharmacist before you change anything. Do not move, skip or double a dose without advice. A doctor reviews your details and decides on the prescription. Your own GP remains an important part of your care.

Contact a doctor promptly if symptoms worsen, do not improve after a few days, or return after getting better. Seek help sooner if you have high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, faster breathing, or signs that may point to a lung infection (infektionsschutz.de; gesund.bund.de; RKI). People with chronic illness or who feel markedly unwell should not wait (RKI).

Also contact your doctor about persistent vomiting, being unable to keep fluids down, signs of dehydration, fainting, or severe stomach pain that may spread to the back. The EMA product information lists such symptoms as reasons to seek medical advice. Get urgent help for sudden or unclear symptoms. If you have severe side effects, contact a doctor straight away, the out-of-hours service on 116117 or, in an emergency, 112.

You can report suspected side effects to the authorities; in Germany through the BfArM and PEI reporting portal.

This Journal article offers general information about colds and flu during prescribed weight-management treatment. It is not a diagnosis, a prescription or a promise of any result. Your prescribing doctor decides on suitability, dose changes and personal limits after clinical review. This article is for information and does not replace medical advice.