Every winter, flu spreads through schools, offices and households across Pakistan. Most people recover in a week, but for the elderly, young children and people with chronic illness, flu can become serious.
Flu comes on suddenly and hits hard: high fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat and cough. A common cold, by contrast, is gentler and mostly affects the nose and throat. If symptoms began overnight with fever and aches, it is probably flu.
Rest, fluids and paracetamol manage most cases at home. Antibiotics do not work against flu — they treat bacterial infections, and taking them without need contributes to resistance. See a doctor if fever stays high beyond a few days, breathing becomes difficult, you feel confused, or you have a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Prevention is effective: wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, keep sick children home, and consider the flu vaccine for high-risk family members. A pharmacist can help you choose suitable symptom relief and flag when you need a doctor.
What is seasonal flu?
Seasonal flu is a viral infection that spreads every winter — it comes on suddenly with high fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat and cough, and most people recover within a week.
How do you treat flu at home?
Rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol manage most flu symptoms at home — antibiotics do not work against flu, and you should see a doctor if fever stays high or breathing becomes difficult.
What should you do in the first 48 hours of flu?
Act in the first 48 hours to shorten the illness and protect your family. Start by confirming it is flu: sudden onset with fever, chills, body aches and cough points to flu, while a gradual, nose-dominated illness is usually a cold. Rest immediately — the body clears the virus best with sleep, so cancel commitments and stay home, which also stops the spread. Hydrate aggressively: water, soups and oral rehydration fluids, especially if fever is high, and use paracetamol for fever and aches, following the dose interval on the label. Eat lightly — soups and simple food — and avoid alcohol and smoking, which slow recovery. Isolate at home: sleep in a separate room if possible, keep windows open for ventilation, and wash hands frequently; masks help when caring for others. Monitor warning signs: fever that stays above 39°C for more than three days, breathing difficulty, chest pain or confusion mean a doctor visit — especially for the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions.
