Telehealth for Flu and Cold Relief Influenza (flu) often starts suddenly and hits harder than a common cold. With Doctor On Demand, you can skip the waiting room and get fast, convenient care for fever, cough, and body aches. Our doctors can diagnose your symptoms and, when appropriate, send a prescription for an antiviral like Tamiflu online to your pharmacy in minutes. For: Ages 18+ (Under 18 with parental consent) Cost: As low as $0 with insurance / $99 without What is the Flu (vs. a Cold)? Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Colds are most often caused by rhinoviruses and similar respiratory viruses. Both spread through droplets/aerosols and contaminated surfaces, but flu symptoms tend to be more intense and sudden. Fever or chills (more common with flu) Cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose Body aches, headaches, fatigue Chest discomfort or shortness of breath Nausea or vomiting (sometimes with flu) Colds are usually caused by common respiratory viruses (e.g., rhinovirus, seasonal coronaviruses, adenovirus). Flu is caused by influenza A or B viruses and tends to have more sudden onset with higher fever and body aches. Both spread through droplets/aerosols and contaminated surfaces—hand hygiene and staying home when sick help reduce spread. Antibiotics don’t treat viruses. Your provider may recommend antivirals for flu when appropriate (often most effective if started within ~48 hours of symptom onset). Your Doctor On Demand provider will: Symptom review & history: onset, exposures, vaccination status, risk factors (pregnancy, chronic conditions) Video assessment: breathing effort, hydration status, ability to speak full sentences, guided self-exam Home testing guidance: when to use/interpret at-home flu or COVID-19 tests; when in-person testing is advised Rule-out conditions: COVID-19 , strep throat , sinusitis, RSV, allergies , pneumonia red flags Care plan: treatment recommendations, prescriptions when appropriate, and follow-up Escalation: referral to in-person or emergency care for severe symptoms (e.g., trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, persistent high fever) How to Treat the Flu? Doctor On Demand providers can help you manage symptoms quickly and safely from home. During a telehealth visit, we’ll review your condition and may recommend over-the-counter remedies, prescribe antivirals for flu when appropriate, and give you guidance on how to recover faster. Symptom relief medications (for fever, cough, congestion, body aches) Antiviral prescriptions for flu, when indicated Guidance on safe use of OTC medications Hydration and rest plans Return-to-work/school guidance and doctor’s notes when appropriate Follow-up and prevention advice (hand hygiene, masks when ill, vaccination reminders) 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) Dextromethorphan (found in Robitussin, Vicks 44) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Chlorpheniramine Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Loratadine (Claritin) Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) Oxymetazoline nasal spray (Afrin) Antiviral Drugs (for flu only, prescribed when appropriate) Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Zanamivir (Relenza) Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) Peramivir (Rapivab, IV use in hospital settings) Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin) Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin) Prescription-strength cough suppressants or inhalers (when indicated) Treatments for secondary bacterial infections if suspected (e.g., sinusitis, pneumonia)—antibiotics are not effective for viruses Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever/aches Decongestants, antihistamines Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan) and expectorants (guaifenesin) Throat lozenges, saline sprays, humidifiers Hydrate frequently; rest and avoid strenuous activity Use fever/ache reducers as directed Consider a cool-mist humidifier and saline nasal rinses

Isolate when febrile; practice hand hygiene and mask if around others Seek care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear An online flu visit costs between $0–$99. Doctor On Demand is a covered benefit for over 98 million Americans. If you're covered by your employer or insurance , then you could pay $0. No insurance? No problem. You can use Doctor On Demand starting at $99 per visit. Why Patients Choose Virtual Flu Care Access care from anywhere, anytime. Most patients are seen in less than 5 minutes. Covered by many insurance plans or just $99 without. No travel, no waiting room, and privacy guaranteed. How a telehealth visit for the flu works Set up your account. Once you finish registering, you’ll be able to see the cost of your visit. See the next available provider or schedule your appointment. Select your concern and answer a few questions to provide the doctor with some context. Start your live virtual visit. Meet with one of our board-certified doctors who will diagnose your symptoms and offer a custom treatment plan. If needed, you can get prescriptions delivered to you or sent to your local pharmacy. Get the Doctor On Demand telehealth app Register in the app to see a doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist when and where you need care. Available for iPhone and Android. "We were so sick with the flu . It was amazing to sit in our living room and be able to see the Dr. and have those prescriptions and Dr’s note completed quickly." —Doctor On Demand Flu Patient "I love this app and the service it provides. Going to urgent care these days for things like cold, flu , eye infections, uti can be an all day thing. I have used this 3 times and it’s easy for them to take a look via my smart phone. They listen to my concerns and send my prescription to the pharmacy. My insurance also recommended it so it is a covered visit. All and all it’s a great service and I hope this option sticks around." —Doctor On Demand Flu Patient "Didn’t have to leave the house and give anyone else the flu . Called in a prescription for tamiflu. Saved an exhausting trip to the doctor or urgent care. Thank you for being there for us!" —Doctor On Demand Flu Patient Yes—when appropriate after a virtual evaluation, your provider may be able to write you a doctor’s note . If clinically indicated after your evaluation, your provider can prescribe oseltamivir (tamiflu) or another antiviral and send it to your local pharmacy within minutes. Antivirals work best when started within ~48 hours of symptom onset, though they may still help some patients later. Start a visit as soon as you notice flu-like symptoms Yes. Our providers can evaluate symptoms, recommend care, and prescribe antivirals when appropriate—all online. 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. 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 Doctor On Demand, 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. 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. 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 Doctor On Demand, 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. Skip the waiting room. See a board-certified provider in minutes for telehealth for flu (and cold) and get the right treatment plan fast. By Quan Lam, Doctor On Demand by Included Health, Dr. Jeanette Carpenter The Ultimate Cold & Flu Season Readiness Guide A Doctor’s Advice on Prevention, Symptoms, and Getting the Support You Need That first sneeze of the season can trigger a familiar wave of anxiety. As temperatures drop and we... The Ultimate Cold & Flu Season Readiness Guide Flu remedies: What to do when you have the flu If you’ve been sneezed on or exposed at home or work, don’t wait to see a doctor. Learn more about who’s at risk for the flu and what steps you... Flu remedies: What to do when you have the flu By Doctor On Demand by Included Health Top Mistakes When Self-Treating the Cold or Flu When you’re sick, sometimes self-treating may be doing more harm than good. Our doctors have pulled together the top mistakes people make when self-treating the cold and flu. A common... Top Mistakes When Self-Treating the Cold or Flu By Doctor On Demand by Included Health How long is a cold or flu contagious? When you have a cold or the flu, you’re typically contagious for about a week. How long is a cold or flu contagious? By Yvette Young, Dr. Brian Knox When to take your child to the ER for the flu: How can the hospital help While most flu cases in children are mild, some can turn serious fast. This guide will help you recognize when symptoms may signal a medical emergency, — and explains when... When to take your child to the ER for the flu: How can the hospital help By Doctor On Demand by Included Health Is It a Cold, the Flu, or Coronavirus? What Your Symptoms May Mean The following guide may help you tell the difference between a cold, the flu and covid. And learn the best ways to help prevent these viral illnesses. Is It a Cold, the Flu, or Coronavirus? What Your Symptoms May Mean By Dr. Jeanette Carpenter, Doctor On Demand by Included Health Cold vs. Flu: What’s the difference? Cold and flu symptoms can overlap, so sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between the two. Find out if and when you need to see a doctor. Cold vs. Flu: What’s the difference? By Dr. Jeanette Carpenter 5 Things to do in the First 24 Hours of a Cold or Flu Not sure if it is cold, flu, or covid? Learn the symptoms and find out what to do to start feeling better. 5 Things to do in the First 24 Hours of a Cold or Flu