Cold, flu and fever in Copenhagen: what to buy, and when to see a doctor
Caught a cold or the flu while in Denmark? Most colds settle on their own with rest, fluids and a few pharmacy medicines. Here is what you can buy without a prescription, the Danish brand names to look for, and the signs that mean you should see a doctor — in English, the same day, with no CPR number needed.
Cold not getting better?
If a cold or flu is dragging on or getting worse, book a same-day consultation with an English-speaking GP.
Pay by card in the clinic after your visit — no prepayment.
What you can buy at a Danish pharmacy
In Denmark, everyday cold and flu remedies are sold over the counter at a pharmacy (apotek) — you do not need a prescription or a CPR number, and pharmacy staff speak English. Painkillers are sold in small packs; larger packs and anything stronger come from the pharmacy counter.
- Paracetamol — for fever, headache and aches. Danish brands: Panodil, Pamol, Pinex, Paracetamol.
- Ibuprofen — for aches, sore throat and inflammation. Danish brands: Ipren, Ibumetin.
- Blocked nose — decongestant nasal sprays such as Otrivin or Zymelin (use for a few days only), and saline sprays.
- Sore throat — lozenges such as Strepsils, and salt-water gargles.
- Cough — soothing cough mixtures; ask the pharmacist for a dry vs chesty cough.
- Fluids and rest — the most important part; rehydration sachets help if you are not keeping fluids down.
Antibiotics are not sold over the counter in Denmark and do not help a normal cold or flu, which are caused by viruses.
When a cold or flu needs a doctor
Most colds improve within a week to ten days. See a doctor if you notice any of the following — it may be a chest infection, a sinus or ear infection, or something that needs treatment:
- A high fever that lasts more than three days, or keeps climbing.
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or chest pain.
- Coughing up green, yellow or blood-stained phlegm.
- Ear pain, face or sinus pain, or a very sore throat with difficulty swallowing.
- Symptoms that improve, then suddenly get worse again.
- You feel very unwell, are not keeping fluids down, or are worried — especially with a baby, an older person, in pregnancy, or a long-term condition.
If it is life-threatening — severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion — call 112. For urgent problems outside our hours, call 1813.
How YourGP can help
An examination in English
The doctor listens to your chest, checks your ears, throat and temperature, and tells you what is going on.
Treatment if it is more than a cold
Antibiotics when a bacterial infection is likely, an inhaler for wheeze, or the right prescription — sent to any Danish pharmacy.
Paperwork if you need it
A sick note for your employer or university, or a short medical report for your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy paracetamol or ibuprofen in a Danish supermarket?
Small packs of paracetamol are sold in some supermarkets and Matas stores, but pharmacies (apotek) carry the full range, including ibuprofen and larger packs. Pharmacy staff speak English and can advise you.
What are the Danish names for common cold medicines?
Paracetamol is sold as Panodil, Pamol, Pinex or Paracetamol; ibuprofen as Ipren or Ibumetin; decongestant nasal sprays as Otrivin or Zymelin. Ask the pharmacist if you are unsure.
Do I need antibiotics for a cold or the flu?
No. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, which antibiotics do not treat. Antibiotics are prescription-only in Denmark and are used only when a bacterial infection — such as a chest, sinus or ear infection — is likely. A doctor can tell the difference.
When should I see a doctor for a cold or flu in Copenhagen?
See a doctor if you have a high fever for more than three days, shortness of breath or chest pain, coloured or bloody phlegm, ear or sinus pain, or if you improve and then get worse again. Book a same-day consultation, or call 1813 out of hours.
Can I see an English-speaking doctor the same day if my cold gets worse?
Yes. YourGP is a private clinic on Strøget with usually same-day times. You only need photo ID and an email address — no CPR number.
Cold or flu not shifting?
See an English-speaking GP in central Copenhagen — usually the same day.
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