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Online Flu Treatment
Get same-day treatment for influenza (flu). Learn about different treatment options, including medications and at-home remedies.
For: All ages
Estimated wait time: 5 minutes or less, wait times may vary during peak cold and flu season.
Estimated wait time: 5 minutes or less, wait times may vary during peak cold and flu season.
Get online treatment for your flu now
Who is online flu treatment right for?
Online flu treatment is a telehealth service where patients consult with board certified healthcare providers via video to diagnose and receive treatment for influenza. Our providers can evaluate symptoms, prescribe antiviral medications, and send prescriptions electronically to your closest pharmacy, allowing patients to receive care conveniently from home. This service is most appropriate for mild to moderate flu cases in otherwise healthy individuals.
Online flu treatment is generally suitable for:
Cold or flu symptoms
Individuals with mild to moderate cold or flu symptoms including fever, chills, body aches and fatigue.
Convenience
Anyone looking for a convenient cold or flu diagnosis, you need a doctor's note, or online prescription.
Medications
Individuals who are able to take nasal spray, oral medications or antibiotics.
Quick relief
Patients looking for a cold and/or flu diagnosis. You prefer to be seen online and as soon as possible.
Cold and Flu medication options
Here are a few of the commonly prescribed cold and flu medications and treatment suggestions that you might receive from your doctor. Remember to always follow dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, especially for children, pregnant women, or those with chronic conditions.
HLTHi offers same-day doctor visits, prescriptions and online doctor notes.
Pain and fever reducers
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Multi-symptom cold and flu remedies
Cough suppressants
- Dextromethorphan (found in Robitussin, Vicks 44)
Antihistamines
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Chlorpheniramine
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Loratadine (Claritin
Decongestants
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
- Oxymetazoline nasal spray (Afrin)
Antiviral drugs (for flu only)
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
- Zanamivir (Relenza)
- Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)
- Peramivir (Rapivab)
Non medical treatments
- Rest
- Hydration
- Saline nasal sprays
- Humidified air
- Salt-water gargles for sore throat
Expectorants
Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin)
How online flu treatment works
Our virtual care process is designed to be simple and convenient, providing you with expert healthcare from the comfort of your home. Whether you're dealing with minor symptoms or need guidance on a more persistent issue, our licensed providers are ready to help. Here's how easy it is to get started:
Step 1.
Begin by creating your Doctor On Demand account on your phone or computer. This will only take a few minutes.
Step 2.
You will be asked to about your symptoms, medical history, and any current medications.
Step 3.
The provider will determine if you are eligible to receive a same-day prescription or if you need additional testing.
Step 4.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat your cold or flu—either during the visit or after the lab returns your testing results (if needed).
Step 5.
The clinician may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to help manage the symptoms.
Start your virtual visit now and get fast, same-day care for your cold & flu symptoms!
Common questions you may have about the cold or flu.
It’s a good idea to see a doctor for a cold if you experience any of the following:
- Your symptoms are severe or get worse instead of better.a
- You have a high fever (over 102°F) that doesn’t come down with medication.
- You have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- You experience sudden dizziness or confusion.
- You can’t keep any food or liquid down or you are experiencing ongoing nausea and vomiting.
- You’re part of a high-risk group (e.g., over 65, pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions).
With HLTHi, you can see a doctor from the comfort of your home! Our providers are often available within minutes. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best course of action for you.
You should go to the doctor for flu (influenza) if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, or persistent vomiting. It’s also important to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen after initially improving, if you have a high fever (above 102°F for adults) that doesn’t respond to medication, or if you’re in a high-risk group (e.g., over 65, pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions). If you can see a doctor within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, our providers may prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the severity and duration of your illness. Typically, our online doctors are available within 5 minutes, no appointment needed, and we accept insurance but it is not a requirement.
Generally, you don’t need to see a doctor for a common cold, as it typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days. However, you should consult a doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen after initially improving, or if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a high fever that lasts more than 3 days. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions, it’s advisable to seek medical attention for cold symptoms. Doctor On Demand telehealth providers are available within minutes to help you diagnose your cold or flu.
Typical symptoms of the common cold include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, and sometimes low-grade fever. These symptoms usually develop gradually over 2-3 days and may also be accompanied by fatigue, body aches, headache, and a feeling of pressure in the ears and face. Cold symptoms generally last about 7-10 days, with the peak of symptoms occurring around days 4-7.
The common cold and flu are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Both share common symptoms and can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue.
Flu symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever (above 100°F), body aches, fatigue, headache, and sometimes cough and sore throat. Unlike colds, flu symptoms are usually more severe, come on quickly, and often include high fever and extreme exhaustion. Colds generally develop more gradually and are characterized by milder symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, usually without significant fever. While both illnesses can cause similar respiratory symptoms, the intensity and suddenness of onset are key differentiators between flu and cold.
Flu symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever (above 100°F), body aches, fatigue, headache, and sometimes cough and sore throat. Unlike colds, flu symptoms are usually more severe, come on quickly, and often include high fever and extreme exhaustion. Colds generally develop more gradually and are characterized by milder symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, usually without significant fever. While both illnesses can cause similar respiratory symptoms, the intensity and suddenness of onset are key differentiators between flu and cold.
The incubation period is the time between when you’re infected and when your symptoms first appear. The incubation period for the common cold is between 12 hours and three days after exposure to the virus.
Not necessarily. Our doctors will meet with you to determine if a lab test is necessary based on your symptoms. However, you may need to visit a lab if you have severe symptoms or if you have other medical problems and are at higher risk for serious infections.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can be similar to cold and flu. The most common symptoms are fever, cough and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. People may also experience any of the following symptoms: muscle or body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or a loss of taste or smell. The best way to get the help you need is to have a doctor or nurse practitioner help with diagnosing your symptoms.
Learning about these conditions, how long they may last, and how to get relief is key to understanding the right treatment for your symptoms. If you’re sick with the cold, flu, RSV, or COVID-19, it can be hard to find a provider who’s available when you need them. With HLTHi's on demand doctors, see one of our board-certified providers from wherever you are, 24/7. Our medical experts share how we can help with the cold and flu below. Get seen today!
HLTHi is a comprehensive patient management service that collaborates with independent healthcare professionals. These professionals utilize HLTHi's Advanced Patient Engagement Platform for service delivery. HLTHi, a subsidiary of Zenith Health Ventures, LLC, does not directly offer medical services. All medical services are conducted by independent practitioners in conjunction with Zenith Health Ventures, LLC. The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, or diagnosis. For health-related questions or concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
NPI: 1164275962
NPI: 1164275962