Cold and Flu

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.