Cold and flu doctor in Seoul, seen the same day

When to see a cold and flu doctor in Seoul

A runny nose and scratchy throat that build slowly over a couple of days usually point to a common cold. Flu tends to arrive suddenly, often with fever, chills, aching muscles, a headache and exhaustion that makes it hard to get out of bed. Both are caused by viruses, and both spread easily in Seoul's crowded subways and offices, especially through autumn and winter.

Many healthy adults can manage a cold at home. It is worth seeing a cold and flu doctor if you think you have flu and are within the first two days, if you are in a higher-risk group, if symptoms are severe or getting worse after the first few days, or if you need a medical note for work.

At VEI Clinic, Dr. HyunSung Park, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, sees you one-to-one in English. He has treated patients in Korea since 2010 and focuses on telling you clearly what is going on and what is worth doing.

Cold versus flu at a glance

Symptoms overlap, and COVID-19 can look like either. That is why the doctor may suggest rapid testing where appropriate, mainly when the result would change treatment or your plans for work and travel.

• Onset: a cold creeps up over a day or two; flu often starts within hours
• Fever: uncommon or mild with a cold; frequent and often high with flu
• Aches and exhaustion: mild with a cold; marked with flu and can last a week or more
• Nose and throat: congestion and sneezing dominate a cold; flu is more of a whole-body illness
• Complications: rare with a cold; flu can lead to pneumonia, especially in high-risk people

What we do at your visit

Dr. Park asks how and when your symptoms started, checks your temperature, throat, ears, chest and breathing, and reviews any long-term conditions and medicines. If flu is likely and you are early in the illness or at higher risk, he may recommend an antiviral medicine such as oseltamivir. Antivirals work best when started within about 48 hours of symptoms beginning; they can shorten the illness and lower the risk of complications, though they do not make flu disappear overnight.

Antibiotics do not work against cold or flu viruses and can cause side effects, so we prescribe them only if there are signs of a bacterial infection such as some sinus, ear or chest infections. For symptom relief, you get specific advice on fever and pain medicine, throat care, and safe combinations of cold remedies sold at Korean pharmacies, where brand names may be unfamiliar.

Before you leave you will know what to expect day by day, which warning signs mean you should come back or go to hospital, and when you are likely to be fit for work or travel. English sick notes are available when appropriate.

Who should be seen early, and when it is an emergency

Some people are more likely to develop complications from flu and benefit most from early assessment and antivirals. If you fall into one of these groups, come in promptly rather than waiting.

• Adults aged 65 or older, and pregnant women
• People with asthma, COPD, heart, kidney or liver disease, or diabetes
• Anyone with a weakened immune system, for example from chemotherapy or steroids
• Call 119 for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, fainting or bluish lips
• Go to an emergency room for a fever that returns after improving with a worsening cough, or signs of severe dehydration

Recovery at home and preventing the next one

Rest, plenty of fluids and simple fever and pain relief are the foundation of recovery for both colds and flu. Warm drinks, salt-water gargles and a humidifier can ease throat and nose symptoms. Coughs often linger for two to three weeks after a cold, which is usually normal, but a cough that worsens or comes with breathlessness should be checked.

To protect others, stay home while you have a fever, wear a mask in shared spaces and wash your hands often. A yearly flu shot is the most effective way to lower your risk of flu and its complications. We offer seasonal flu vaccination, usually from autumn, and can give it once you have recovered.

Cold and flu visits are usually covered by Korea's National Health Insurance if you are enrolled. Visitors pay the fee directly and receive an itemized English receipt.