Cold and Influenza: How to Feel Better?

How can one differentiate between a cold and the flu?

The symptoms in both cases are similar, but cold symptoms are generally milder compared to those of the flu.
Cold symptoms typically start with a feeling of fatigue, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, possibly a mild fever, muscle aches, throat discomfort, watery eyes, and headaches.
In contrast, the flu begins suddenly and intensely. You may experience general weakness, fatigue, dry cough, runny nose, chills, high fever, muscle aches, severe headache, eye pain, and throat soreness.
Flu symptoms tend to persist longer than those of a cold.

What Is the Recommended Treatment?

• Stay at home if you have a fever.
• Avoid smoking, including passive smoking.
• Stay well-hydrated, but avoid alcohol.
• If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water several times a day.
• You can also use nasal sprays, over-the-counter medications that reduce runny nose, or tablets.

What Causes Colds and the Flu, and Can You Get Vaccinated?

There are over 100 different viruses that cause colds, making vaccination impossible.
Regarding the flu, there are far fewer viruses, making vaccination possible.
Today's recommendation is to vaccinate the entire population at risk. Given the high demand for this year's flu vaccine (Winter 2020-2021), the Ministry of Health has prioritized specific groups to receive the vaccine.
In the initial stage, individuals aged 70 and above will be vaccinated. These individuals will receive a notification inviting them to schedule their vaccination appointment.
Subsequently, and depending on vaccine availability, the groups eligible for vaccination will expand, and targeted notifications will be sent to them.
To protect your health, only visit medical centers for vaccination with a prior appointment. No phone inquiries are necessary; we will contact you to schedule your vaccination appointment according to the Ministry of Health guidelines.

How Can You Ease the Patient's Discomfort?

There is no cure for the flu or the common cold.
If you have been diagnosed with the flu within two to three days of symptom onset, you can take medication to shorten the duration of the illness.
Additionally, you can take over-the-counter medications that aim to alleviate symptoms and support the body's fight against the virus.
Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
If the patient is a child or takes chronic medications, consult a doctor before administering any medication.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

In cases involving a child or an adult with a fever, it is advisable to consult the family doctor or pediatrician through remote medical services or schedule a video appointment with the personal physician. Do not go to a medical center if you or your children have a fever.
Please consult your physician through the Clalit remote medical services if any of the following symptoms occur:

In children:

• Fever above 39°C or prolonged fever.
• Fatigue lasting more than 10 days.
• Shortness of breath, rapid or wheezing breathing, blueness.
• A child who does not drink enough.
• Earaches or ear drainage.
• Changes in behavior, difficulty waking, seizures, excessive irritability.
  Symptoms of the flu improve but return with a high fever and severe cough.
• Chronic medical issues getting out of balance.

In adults:

• Fever above 39°C or prolonged fever.
• Fatigue lasting more than 10 days.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Feeling lightheaded.
• Confusion.
• Severe vomiting.
• Severe headache or face pain.
• Dizziness, throat pain, or a persistent cough.