Hopefully, you paid attention to our blog here and received the flu shot.  However, for those who did not get the vaccine, the influenza season is in full swing in Israel.  Knowing what treatment is best may help you feel better sooner and can prevent others from becoming sick. The flu is highly contagious!! It’s important to take precautions! 

Common flu symptoms are:

Influenza is a virus, and distinguishing it from other viral illnesses can be tricky.  The flu vaccine is considered 60% effective, as defined by the CDC. Still, even those people who get sick after the vaccine will have some benefit - as they usually have milder symptoms with fewer complications.  Having this illness is NOT FUN, with many people describing the flu as feeling as if "run over by a bus."

Flu treatment includes:

To prevent spreading flu to others:

Some people are at a higher risk for developing complications from influenza.  This includes those with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, and anyone with a weakened immune system. To prevent flu complications, EMA Care recommends a prescription anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu. It would help if you started this ideally within the first day of symptoms.

Go right away to a doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

EMA Care wishes you a healthy winter! Take good care of yourself!

EMA Care provides medical concierge, case management, and patient advocacy services to tourists, students, and Israel residents. You can contact usat info@healthcareisrael.com.  Schedule your free consultation today.