Question 1

What are common cold and flu symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Cold and flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and headaches. Flu symptoms are usually more sudden and severe.

Question 2

Can telehealth diagnose the flu?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Doctor On Demand provider can evaluate your symptoms through a video visit and recommend treatment or order a flu test if needed.

Question 3

What treatments are available for flu through telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Our providers may recommend rest, hydration, over-the-counter remedies, or prescribe antivirals like Tamiflu, depending on your symptoms and medical history.

Question 4

When should I see a doctor for cold or flu?

Accepted Answer

You should seek care if you have a fever above 103°F, trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or if your symptoms worsen or last more than 10 days.

Question 5

Symptoms of flu vs. cold

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 6

What causes flu and colds?

Accepted Answer

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 and contaminated surfaces. Antibiotics don’t treat viruses, but antivirals may help with flu if started within ~48 hours.

Question 7

How we diagnose cold & flu

Accepted Answer

Your Doctor On Demand provider reviews your symptoms, may guide a virtual self-exam, and can advise on at-home tests or order labs if necessary. They’ll rule out conditions like COVID-19, strep, or pneumonia and recommend the right care plan.

Question 8

Common online treatment options

Accepted Answer

Options include symptom relief medicines (for fever, cough, congestion, aches), antiviral prescriptions for flu, hydration and rest plans, and follow-up guidance.

Question 9

Flu and cold medications we may prescribe

Accepted Answer

Examples include pain/fever reducers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen), cough suppressants (dextromethorphan), antihistamines, decongestants, antivirals (Tamiflu, Relenza, Xofluza, Rapivab), and expectorants like guaifenesin.

Question 10

Symptom relief & other prescriptions

Accepted Answer

Your provider may recommend prescription-strength cough suppressants or inhalers, or antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.

Question 11

Over-the-counter options (OTC for cold and flu)

Accepted Answer

Common options include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever/aches, decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, expectorants, throat lozenges, saline sprays, and humidifiers.

Question 12

How to care for yourself at home for the flu

Accepted Answer

Stay hydrated, rest, use fever/ache reducers as directed, consider a humidifier or saline rinses, and practice hand hygiene. Seek care if symptoms worsen or severe warning signs appear.

Question 13

Can you give a doctor’s note for work or school?

Accepted Answer

Yes—when appropriate after a virtual evaluation, your provider may be able to write you a doctor’s note.

Question 14

Will a provider prescribe Tamiflu online?

Accepted Answer

If clinically indicated, your provider can prescribe Tamiflu or another antiviral and send it to your local pharmacy.

Question 15

How fast should I start antiviral medication?

Accepted Answer

Antivirals work best when started within ~48 hours of symptom onset, though they may still help later. Start a visit as soon as symptoms begin.

Question 16

Can you treat the flu online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our providers can evaluate symptoms, recommend care, and prescribe antivirals when appropriate—all online.

Question 17

Will I need to go to a lab?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Your doctor will decide if a lab test is needed based on symptoms and risk factors. Most cases can be handled via telehealth.

Question 18

When to see a doctor for a cold?

Accepted Answer

Seek care if your cold symptoms are severe, persist beyond 10 days, or include high fever, breathing difficulty, or chest pain. High-risk patients should see a doctor sooner.

Question 19

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Accepted Answer

Flu symptoms include sudden high fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, and sometimes cough and sore throat. Colds are milder and more gradual, often with runny nose and sneezing.

Question 20

How do I treat a cold, flu, RSV or COVID?

Accepted Answer

Doctor On Demand providers can help you evaluate symptoms, rule out conditions, and provide treatment or prescriptions as appropriate—all online, 24/7.

Question 21

Should I go to the doctor for the flu?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor if you have severe symptoms like breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, persistent vomiting, or high fever. Early care within 48 hours may allow antiviral treatment.

Question 22

What is the common cold incubation period?

Accepted Answer

The incubation period for the common cold is usually 12 hours to 3 days after exposure.

Question 23

Should I go to the doctor for a cold?

Accepted Answer

Most colds resolve on their own in 7–10 days. See a doctor if symptoms last longer, worsen, or if you’re high-risk (elderly, pregnant, chronic conditions).

Question 24

How do I know if it is COVID or the flu?

Accepted Answer

COVID and flu share many symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue), but COVID more often includes loss of taste/smell and GI issues. Testing is the only way to confirm.

Cold and Flu