Blocked nose with flu: what to know

Flu can inflame the lining inside the nose, narrowing the air passages and making breathing through the nose difficult. Mucus may feel thick, and mouth breathing can leave the throat dry. A stuffy nose can also occur with the common cold or sinusitis, so the symptom alone cannot identify the cause. Fever, marked tiredness, aching, cough, or a sudden illness pattern can support a flu-like infection, but several illnesses overlap.

Sip fluids regularly, rest, and keep the room comfortably humidified. Saline nasal spray or a saline rinse may loosen mucus; use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water for a rinse and clean the device after use. Blow your nose gently, one side at a time. A pharmacist can advise whether a decongestant is suitable, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, glaucoma, are pregnant, or take other medicines. Avoid using medicated nasal decongestant sprays for longer than the product instructions, because overuse can worsen congestion. If allergy symptoms are also present, see Allergy Medication.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, new confusion, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange medical advice if symptoms are worsening, fever returns after improving, facial pain becomes severe, or the illness is not settling. People who are pregnant, older, immunocompromised, or living with long-term heart or lung disease may need earlier advice.

Could this be flu, a common cold, or sinusitis? Is a nasal spray or oral medicine appropriate with my health conditions? Which changes would mean I should seek urgent help?