When should I see a doctor for the flu?

If fever exceeds 39 °C for more than three days, if you experience difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, worsening symptoms, or if you belong to a risk group (over 60, chronically ill, pregnant). A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication that shortens the course when used early.

How fast does a DoktorAkut doctor arrive in Munich?

DoktorAkut Munich launches in November 2026. After launch, a doctor typically visits withusually in 60–120 minutes of your request — daily 7 AM to 10 PM, including weekends.

Launch: November 1, 2026 · Reserve your spot

One email when house calls for flu become bookable.

DoktorAkut is a private physician house call service in Munich. Daily 7 AM–10 PM. From 180 € per GOÄ. English-speaking.

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Flu and Common Cold — When Do You Need a Doctor?

Q: How do I tell the difference between flu and a cold?

Influenza starts suddenly with high fever, severe headache and body aches, and profound fatigue. A common cold develops gradually with a runny nose, sore throat, and mild discomfort. If in doubt, a doctor can provide clarity through examination and, if indicated, a rapid influenza test.

Q: Does private insurance cover a house call for flu?

Yes, private health insurance typically reimburses house calls in full. Billing follows the GOÄ (German medical fee schedule). Self-pay patients can also use the service — 180 to 280 euros depending on the scope of treatment.

Reading time: 6 minutesEditorial: DoktorAkutUpdated April 2026

Cough, runny nose, fever — during Munich's flu season from October to March, many people fall ill. When are home remedies enough, and when should you seek medical help? This guide helps you judge.

Typical symptoms

Common cold

Runny nose, nasal congestion
Sore, scratchy throat
Mild cough
Slightly elevated temperature (up to 38.5 °C)
Mild feeling of illness
Gradual onset over 1–2 days

Influenza (true flu)

Sudden onset with high fever (39–41 °C)
Severe headache
Marked body aches
Dry, painful cough
Profound fatigue and exhaustion
Chills
Loss of appetite

Causes

Common colds are caused by over 200 different virus types, most frequently rhinoviruses. True influenza is caused by influenza A or B viruses. Both spread via droplet infection — coughing, sneezing, shared surfaces.

Munich's dry winter indoor air and frequent Föhn temperature swings dry out the mucous membranes and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

First measures at home

Drink plenty of fluids — at least 2 litres of water or tea per day
Physical rest, bed rest when feverish
Antipyretic medication (paracetamol, ibuprofen) for temperatures above 39 °C or severe discomfort
Decongestant nasal spray for blocked nose — maximum 7 days
Steam inhalation with saline solution for cough
Humidify indoor air, ventilate regularly
Throat wraps and warm drinks for sore throat

When to see a doctor

In most cases, a cold heals on its own within 7–10 days. Medical attention is advisable for:

Fever above 39 °C lasting more than three days
Worsening after initial improvement
Severe ear or facial pain (suspected middle-ear infection or sinusitis)
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Yellow-green sputum over several days (possible bacterial superinfection)
Severe sore throat with difficulty swallowing and fever (suspected tonsillitis)
Belonging to a risk group: over 60, chronic conditions, pregnancy, weakened immune system

What the doctor can do on site

During a house call, a physician can:

Conduct a thorough physical examination (lung auscultation, throat inspection, ear examination)
Perform a rapid influenza test to distinguish flu from a common cold
Prescribe antiviral medication (oseltamivir) — most effective within the first 48 hours of symptom onset
Prescribe antibiotics for confirmed bacterial superinfection
Provide IV infusion therapy for dehydration caused by fever
Issue sick notes and private prescriptions on site
Assess whether hospital admission is necessary

Prevention

Annual flu vaccination — especially for risk groups (STIKO recommendation)
Regular handwashing (at least 20 seconds with soap)
Cough and sneeze into your elbow
Sufficient sleep (7–8 hours)
Balanced diet with vitamin C and zinc
Regular outdoor exercise — Munich's Englischer Garten, Isar banks and Nymphenburg Park all help
Avoid crowds during flu season (October–March) where possible

Call 112 immediately for:

Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
Fever above 40 °C not responding to medication
Loss of consciousness or severe confusion
Seizures
Bluish discolouration of lips or fingernails

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell the difference between flu and a cold?

Flu starts suddenly with high fever, severe headache and body aches. A cold develops gradually with runny nose and sore throat. A doctor can clarify via examination and rapid test.

When should I see a doctor for flu?

Fever over 39 °C for more than three days, difficulty breathing, chest pain, risk-group status (over 60, chronic illness, pregnancy). Antivirals work best within 48 hours of onset.

Does private insurance cover a house call for flu?

Yes — typically in full. Billing follows GOÄ. 180–280 € depending on treatment scope.

How fast does DoktorAkut arrive?

After launch (November 2026): typically 60–120 minutes of your request, daily 7 AM–10 PM.

Doctor house call in your district

DoktorAkut treats flu and colds across all of Munich:

Doctor House Call Schwabing · Bogenhausen · Haidhausen · All districts

More guides: Fever in adults · Sick child · GOÄ fees

This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have symptoms, consult a doctor. In life-threatening emergencies, call 112 immediately.

Editorial: DoktorAkut. Last updated: April 2026.

Sources: Robert Koch Institute (RKI), AWMF guideline "Acute and chronic cough", German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), STIKO (Standing Committee on Vaccination).