Sick in Paris: What To Do When a Cold or Flu Hits on Your Trip

Getting sick in Paris is common, especially after long flights and packed airports. Cough, sore throat, congestion, headache, fever. The usual mix. France handles this differently than the US or UK, and knowing what to ask for can save days of your trip.

Here is what you need to know in case it happens.

The Basics the French Way

The first thing most pharmacists expect you to take is Doliprane. This is paracetamol, the same molecule as Tylenol. It is the standard option for pain, fever, and general flu misery.

The common dose is 1000 mg, spaced properly through the day. It helps with headaches, body aches, and fever, but it does nothing for congestion.

Hydration is essential. Water, soups, broths, herbal infusions, and hot water with lemon, ginger, or honey are standard advice. Coffee, alcohol, and smoking slow recovery and usually make symptoms worse.

Sleep is important! Many people lose days by trying to push through with sightseeing while sick. Rest shortens the illness.

Pharmacy Products Worth Asking For

French pharmacies carry fewer strong cold combinations over the counter, but some products are still useful.

Oxomemazine cough syrup is one of the best options for persistent coughing, especially at night. It does not stop a cough entirely, but it can reduce it enough to let you sleep.

Actisouffre is used for both the nose and throat. It comes with interchangeable nozzles. It helps with irritation and congestion, especially early on.

Sterimar “blocked nose” is a saline-based nasal spray. It sounds basic, but nasal rinsing helps clear mucus and viral load. Variants exist, including versions with copper. It is not fast relief, but it helps over time.

Lysopaine lozenges help with sore throat pain and irritation.

Fervex is a popular hot drink powder used for cold and flu symptoms. It combines paracetamol with other supportive ingredients. Many people tolerate it well and find it comforting when symptoms peak.

Humex and Rhumex are sometimes recommended for cold symptoms, but availability has changed. Some versions now require a prescription.

Helicidine is a cough syrup often prescribed by doctors for severe coughs, including flu-related coughing.

Beclometasone dipropionate nasal spray may be prescribed for inflammation-related congestion.

Nasal rinses using pharmacy kits or a neti pot can help significantly when congestion lingers. These kits often include pre-measured powder sachets to mix with water.

Nasal sprays should not be used for long periods. Overuse can cause rebound congestion and create new problems.

Note that strong decongestants and combination cold medicines are tightly regulated. Products similar to NyQuil or DayQuil often require a prescription.

Some medicines containing pseudoephedrine are restricted or no longer freely available. If congestion is severe and not improving, a doctor visit may be the fastest solution.

When To See a Doctor

If symptoms are heavy, persistent, or ruining the trip, seeing a doctor is usually quick and affordable. General practitioner visits often cost around 40 to 60 euros. The price is the same for visitors and residents, though residents may later be reimbursed.

Appointments can be found through Doctolib, which allows filtering for English-speaking doctors. Telehealth appointments are also common.

SOS Médecins offers 24/7 access and is widely used for urgent but non-emergency care.

Virtual services such as Doctorsa allow video consultations and send prescriptions electronically, which pharmacies can fill quickly.

Doctors can prescribe stronger cough syrups, anti-inflammatory nasal sprays, or antivirals when appropriate.

What Might Be Going Around

Cold symptoms overlap with flu, COVID, and other respiratory viruses. Pharmacies can provide COVID tests and, in some cases, combined flu and COVID tests.

Flu A, flu B, COVID, and rhinoviruses circulate at the same time. Testing helps guide treatment decisions and reduces unnecessary medication overlap.

Antivirals like oseltamivir may be prescribed early in confirmed flu cases. They work best when started within the first two days.

Managing the Trip While Sick

A cold cannot be cured instantly. Medication manages symptoms, not the virus itself. Pushing too hard with painkillers and sightseeing often prolongs recovery.

Plan slower days. Choose activities with seating and shorter distances. Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces and on public transport. It protects others and reduces re-exposure when your immune system is already strained.

Most people recover within a few days with rest, fluids, and symptom control. Knowing how the French system works turns a miserable situation into a manageable one.