Cold and flu symptoms can take a lot out of you. All you want is fast relief from the coughing, chills, aches and fatigue. We’re here to help.
Quick care for cold and flu symptoms is just a click away. Answer a few simple questions, and in as little as two hours, you’ll have a personalized treatment plan and a prescription, if needed.
If your child is under 5 years old and has cold or flu symptoms, make a primary care appointment.
Concerned you have an emergency? Here’s when to get emergency care for cold or flu symptoms.
The sooner you can start treatment for a cold or the flu, the better. Treating it early can help reduce the length and severity of your symptoms.
If you have risk factors for complications from the flu, starting treatment in the first 24 hours is important. But if it’s been longer since your symptoms appeared, we can still create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better, sooner.
The flu (influenza) and the common cold are contagious respiratory illnesses that share many of the same symptoms. They are most common between October and May, but you can get a cold or the flu at any time.
| The flu | Common cold | |
|---|---|---|
| How symptoms appear | Suddenly | Gradually |
| Fever | > 100° F | < 100° F |
| Cough | Dry | Wet or productive |
| Headache | Noticeable | Rare |
| Muscle pain | Severe | Mild |
| Weakness or exhaustion | Sudden | Gradual |
| Stuffy nose | Some cases | Most cases |
| Sneezing | Some cases | Most cases |
| Sore throat | Some cases | Most cases |
Home remedies, such as drinking a lot of fluids and getting plenty of rest, are still the main treatments for the flu. But prescription medicines may be best if you have severe symptoms or if you’re at a higher risk of flu complications.
Antivirals are medicines that help keep flu viruses from reproducing in your body. They can reduce how severe your symptoms feel and may shorten the length of the illness by about a day. Antivirals are most effective when taken within 48 hours of developing flu symptoms, which is why it’s good to get help right away after symptoms appear.
Examples of antivirals include:
- Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu®)
- Zanamivir (Relenza®)
- Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza®)
Depending on your risk factors and symptoms, your treatment plan may include antiviral medication along with recommendations for other medicines and self-care options to help you feel better.
The most effective way to prevent the flu, and more severe symptoms, is to get your annual flu shot. You can get a flu shot once you’re fully recovered, which is typically within about two weeks. Or schedule a flu shot appointment each fall to get your flu shot by the end of October to help protect you the entire season.
Most people can treat colds at home with over-the-counter products and home remedies. But if home treatments aren’t enough or your symptoms are getting worse, an e-visit can be a great way to confirm your diagnosis and get a customized treatment plan that’s created just for you.
Your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and may include a prescription for a nasal spray or cough suppressant, as well as recommendations for other medications to help manage any nasal congestion, sinus pressure and coughing you’re experiencing.
E-visits make it easy to get fast, affordable treatment for cold and flu symptoms. And don’t worry if you’re unsure which one is causing your symptoms. Our experienced team of clinicians will make a diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan for you.
To start an e-visit, sign into your online account or create a new account. We’ll guide you through questions about symptoms, medications, allergies and insurance. From start to finish, submitting an e-visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
Once you submit your e-visit, one of our experienced nurse practitioners reviews your answers, determines a diagnosis and creates a treatment plan. As soon as they’re done, we’ll send you an email letting you know it’s ready. We typically deliver treatment plans in as little as two hours.
We review e-visits 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. If you submit an e-visit outside these hours, your treatment plan will arrive the following morning.
E-visits are usually covered by insurance. Depending on your plan, the cost may be as low as $0 with insurance. Without insurance, the cost can be up to $89, but never more. Whether you use insurance or not, there are never any hidden fees or extra costs.
We’re able to treat most cold and flu symptoms with an e-visit. But if we can’t treat you, we’ll connect you with the best care option, and you won’t be charged for the e-visit.