It's not "just a cold"It's influenza, and it does matter.
If you've had a high fever and body aches for only a few hours, there is a treatment that shortens the illness, but it only works if started in time.
After that, its effect drops sharply.
It hits all at once, not little by little
Unlike a cold, influenza sweeps through you in a few hours. If you recognize two or more of these signs, don't wait.
Sudden fever
38–40 °C (100.4–104 °F) in a few hours
Body aches
"Even my hair hurts"
Dry cough
Intense and exhausting
Extreme fatigue
You can't even get up
What changes when you take the antiviral in time
Treatment reduces duration, complications and household spread, as long as it is started within 48 h.
Antiviral within the first 48 h vs no treatment
less fever and symptoms
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of pneumonia
- Less spread at home
- Lower chance of hospitalization
of fever, aches and exhaustion
- A cough that lasts weeks
- Higher risk of bacterial pneumonia
- More spread to your family
- Worse course if you have a chronic disease
Influenza is not equally dangerous for everyone
If you belong to any of these groups, influenza can turn into pneumonia quickly. An early evaluation changes the outcome.
65 and older
An immune system that is slower to stop the virus.
Diabetes or heart disease
Systemic inflammation destabilizes the underlying condition.
Pregnancy or children
Higher risk of lung complications and hospitalization.
This cannot wait until tomorrow
If your influenza shows any of these signs, seek medical attention that same day:
Go to the emergency room or call us if:
- You're short of breath or breathing fast
- Chest pain or pressure
- Bluish lips or nails
- Fever lasting more than 4 days
- Oxygen saturation below 92%
- Confusion or trouble waking up fully
From your message to treatment, in under 24 h
When it's influenza, every hour matters. That's why the path to your appointment is designed to be short and direct.
You send a WhatsApp
I answer you personally, no filters or bots.
Priority slot
An appointment reserved for acute fever cases.
Treatment prescribed
A personalized plan, with you from start to finish.
Priority appointment · Antiviral within the window
Don't wait to "see if it passes".
The first 48 hours are the ones that count.
Same-day evaluation and a clear plan so influenza doesn't end in the hospital.
Book my appointmentFrequently asked questions about influenza
What patients ask me most often when the season arrives.
How can I tell influenza apart from a common cold?
Influenza starts abruptly with high fever (38–40 °C / 100.4–104 °F), intense muscle aches, marked fatigue, headache and a dry cough. A cold comes on more gradually, without high fever; nasal congestion predominates and symptoms are milder. Influenza lasts 5–7 days; a cold, 3–5.
When is influenza dangerous?
When there is difficulty breathing, chest pain, oxygen saturation below 92%, fever persisting more than 4 days or general deterioration, and whenever it affects pregnant women, adults over 65, young children or people with asthma, COPD, diabetes or immunosuppression.
Does the flu vaccine work?
Yes. It reduces the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, especially in older adults and patients with chronic illness. Protection is not total because the virus changes every season, but vaccinated people who do get sick have a milder course.
How much does a flu consultation cost in Mexico City?
Message us on WhatsApp at +52 55 9170 8334 to book a priority appointment if you have symptoms and get up-to-date prices.
Find me here
Hospital Santa Coleta
Saturnino Herrán 59San José Insurgentes, Benito Juárez
03900 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Office hours
Monday to Friday: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
By AppointmentImportant medical notice: The information on this site is educational and informational in nature, prepared by Dr. William César Lara Vázquez, and does not replace a consultation, diagnosis or treatment with a medical professional. If you have any respiratory symptom, see your doctor or the emergency service. In the event of a respiratory emergency, call 911.