Consider visiting a doctor for the flu if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, or persistent vomiting. It's also crucial to seek medical help 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). Seeing a doctor within the first 48 hours of symptom onset can be beneficial, as 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, though it's not required.

Generally, you don't need to see a doctor for a common cold, as it usually resolves on its own within 7-10 days. However, you should consult a doctor if your symptoms persist beyond 10 days, worsen after initially improving, or if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a high fever lasting 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. HLTHi telehealth providers are available within minutes to help you diagnose your cold or flu.

Common cold symptoms typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and a mild cough. Occasionally, a low-grade fever may occur. These symptoms usually develop gradually over a few days and can be accompanied by fatigue, body aches, headaches, and a feeling of pressure in the ears and face. Generally, cold symptoms last about 7-10 days, with the most intense symptoms occurring around days 4-7.

The common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. They share similar symptoms, including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue.

Flu symptoms often start suddenly and include a high fever (above 100°F), body aches, fatigue, headache, and sometimes a cough and sore throat. Unlike colds, flu symptoms are typically more severe and come on quickly, often accompanied by high fever and extreme exhaustion. Colds usually develop more gradually and are characterized by milder symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, usually without a significant fever. While both illnesses can cause similar respiratory symptoms, the intensity and suddenness of onset are key differences between the flu and a cold.

The incubation period is the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms. For the common cold, this period typically ranges from 12 hours to three days.

Not necessarily. Our doctors will assess your symptoms to decide if a lab test is needed. However, if you have severe symptoms or other medical conditions that increase your risk of serious infections, a lab visit may be required.

COVID-19 symptoms can resemble those of the cold and flu, with common signs including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Additional symptoms may include muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of taste or smell. To accurately diagnose your symptoms, consulting with a doctor or nurse practitioner is recommended.

Understanding the duration and relief options for these conditions is crucial for effective treatment. If you're dealing with a cold, flu, RSV, or COVID-19, finding an available provider can be challenging. With HLTHi's on-demand doctors, you can consult with board-certified providers anytime, anywhere, 24/7. Our medical experts are ready to assist with cold and flu care. Get seen today!