A runny nose, sore throat and that heavy, achy feeling are constant companions through a Norwegian winter. Most adults come down with one or more respiratory infections between October and March, and most of the time it resolves without needing a doctor. But if you have just moved to Drammen, working out what is normal – and which parts of the Norwegian healthcare system to use when it is not – can be confusing on top of feeling unwell. Here is what is common in winter, how to tell a cold from the flu, and when to contact your GP (fastlege) here in Drammen.
The common cold: winter's most frequent visitor
A cold usually starts with a sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose. Over the next day or two, headache, muscle aches, a dry cough – often worse at night – mild chills and reduced appetite tend to follow. According to Helsenorge, the Norwegian health authorities' patient information service, symptoms are usually worst around day three.
A cold typically clears up on its own within seven to ten days, although the cough can linger for three weeks or more. Good self-care is often all you need: rest, enough sleep, warmth and plenty of fluids. Inhaling warm steam or taking a warm bath can ease nasal pressure.
Contact your GP if you are still unwell after two weeks, or if you feel very unwell overall – especially if you are older or have an underlying health condition that makes you more vulnerable.
Flu: symptoms arrive suddenly
Where a cold creeps in gradually, influenza tends to hit hard and fast. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) describes typical flu as a sudden onset of fever, muscle pain, headache and a generally poor sense of wellbeing. A runny nose, sore throat and dry cough can follow, while gastrointestinal symptoms are uncommon in adults with flu, despite what many people assume.
Flu usually lasts seven to ten days. It is mainly older adults and people with underlying health conditions who develop serious complications. If you are in a risk group and think you may have flu, it is worth contacting your GP early, since antiviral treatment (when appropriate) works best if started within 48 hours of symptoms starting. We have written more about this year's flu vaccine and who should get it.
When should you think about pneumonia?
Helsenorge describes pneumonia as fever, a cough – often with phlegm – and breathlessness, often together with pain when breathing deeply. Many people also feel unusually tired, lose their appetite, and struggle to drink enough fluids. It can be hard to tell pneumonia apart from an ordinary respiratory infection on your own, which is exactly why Helsenorge recommends contacting a doctor if you suspect you might have it.
The risk of pneumonia, and of a more serious course, is higher if you are over 65, have a chronic condition such as COPD, asthma, heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease, have a weakened immune system, smoke, or have difficulty swallowing. In older adults the signs can be less obvious than in younger people – confusion, a fall, or suddenly managing less in daily life can be just as important a warning sign as fever and coughing. Worth knowing if you are keeping an eye on an elderly parent or neighbour this winter.
What can you do at home, whatever the infection?
Whether it is a cold or the flu, self-care is usually the most important thing in the first few days. Rest, enough sleep and plenty of fluids give your body the best chance to recover. For fever, headache or muscle aches, over-the-counter pain and fever medication from the pharmacy (apotek) can ease symptoms – follow the pack instructions, and ask the pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure what suits you, especially if you take other medication. A saline nasal rinse and good ventilation in the bedroom can also make the nights easier to get through.
Simple habits that actually help
You cannot avoid every infection, but some habits make a real difference. FHI particularly highlights hand hygiene, good ventilation and indoor air quality as the most important single measures against winter respiratory infections. It also helps to:
- Wash your hands often, especially after being out among people
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
- Stay home from work for the first days you are unwell
- Air out your bedroom and any room you spend a lot of time in
Contact your GP (fastlege) if you are still unwell after two weeks, if you feel very unwell overall, or if you are in a risk group and symptoms are worsening quickly.
Call the out-of-hours clinic (legevakt) on 116 117 outside your GP's opening hours for the same symptoms above, or for persistent breathlessness and pain when breathing.
Call 113 for severe difficulty breathing, bluish lips, or sudden, severe confusion.
Understanding the Norwegian system: GP, legevakt or 113?
Most winter infections belong with your regular GP – or simply resolve on their own. If you are new to Norway and unsure who to call, we have written a fuller guide to the difference between 113, 116 117 and your GP. As a rule of thumb: use your GP to assess symptoms that last or gradually get worse, the legevakt when your GP's office is closed and the situation cannot wait, and 113 only for acute, life-threatening illness. Note that a visit to a GP or legevakt normally carries a small patient fee (egenandel), while calling 113 in a genuine emergency does not.
Looking for an English-speaking GP in Drammen this winter?
Hotvet legesenter is located at Rosenkrantzgata 75, in the centre of Drammen. Our six GPs have open spots on their patient lists, with video and e-consultations available when you do not need to come in person.
See available GP spots