Do I have to fast if I have a cold or flu?
It depends on how ill you feel. A mild cold with a sniffle usually isn't a reason to skip the fast. But if you have the flu, a fever, or need medicine during the day, you're allowed not to fast and make the days up after you recover.
Illness is a valid excuse
Allah gives sick people a clear permission in the verses about Ramadan:
Scholars explain that the illness meant here is one where fasting would make you worse, slow your recovery or cause real hardship. A slightly blocked nose doesn't count; a fever, chest infection or the flu usually does.
Mild cold vs flu
- Mild cold: sniffles, a light sore throat, but you can still work and function. Most scholars say keep fasting. Rest, and drink plenty at suhoor and iftar.
- Flu or fever: aches, high temperature, exhaustion, or you need regular paracetamol or ibuprofen. You may break the fast and make it up later.
- Getting worse during the day: you can break the fast at that point. You don't need to "push through" until sunset.
Scholars of the four schools agree on this basic principle, though they phrase the level of hardship slightly differently. If a doctor tells you to drink fluids or take medicine during the day, follow that advice.
Medicines while fasting
Swallowing tablets, cough syrup or throat lozenges breaks the fast. Nasal sprays are debated: many scholars say they break the fast if they reach the throat, while others allow them. Vapour rubs on the skin don't break it. If you need daytime medicine, that's a sign you're ill enough to use the permission.
Making up the days
Once you're well, fast one day for each day you missed, any time before next Ramadan. They don't have to be in a row. Allah says that He "intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (Quran 2:185). Taking this permission isn't weakness; it's following His guidance. If your illness is long-term, the rules are different. See Do I have to fast during Ramadan if I have diabetes? For a similar permission, see Can I skip fasting while traveling?
- A mild cold usually isn't a reason to skip fasting.
- Flu, fever or needing daytime medicine allows you to break the fast.
- You can break it mid-day if you get worse.
- Make up missed days before next Ramadan.
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