Cold and flu care online
Fever, aches and a cough that keeps you up at night? See a licensed provider from bed – no waiting room full of other sick people.
- Licensed providers
- Same-day visits, usually
- Video or phone
Get started Members: request a visit
Written by the CheckMD care team · Updated
Cold or flu?
A cold usually creeps up slowly: a scratchy throat, sneezing, a runny nose. The flu tends to hit all at once, with fever, chills, body aches and exhaustion. COVID-19 can look like either, so a home test is often worth doing.
Both are caused by viruses and most healthy people recover at home within a week or two. A visit still helps when you want to know what you are dealing with, need advice for work or school, or might benefit from flu medicine.
Why timing matters with flu
Prescription antiviral medicine for flu works best when it is started within 48 hours of the first symptoms. It can shorten the illness and lower the risk of complications, which matters most for people who are 65 or older, pregnant, very young, or living with a long-term condition such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Because a virtual visit can happen the same day, you don't lose those first hours trying to get an appointment. If an antiviral is right for you, it goes to your pharmacy; if not, your provider will help you manage the fever, cough and congestion and tell you what to watch for.
Medicines your provider may prescribe
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or baloxavir (Xofluza) – antiviral flu medicine, best started within 48 hours
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches; cough and congestion relief that suits you
Only when it is right for you: your provider checks your symptoms, allergies, other medicines and health history first. Prescriptions go to the pharmacy you choose.
What you can do at home right now
- Rest and stay home until you have had no fever for 24 hours
- Drink fluids – water, broth, tea with honey
- Use a humidifier
- Do a home COVID-19 test if you have one
Get urgent help if you notice
- Trouble breathing, shortness of breath or chest pain
- Confusion, severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Bluish lips or face
- Signs of dehydration – very little urine, dizziness when standing
- Fever or cough that improves and then comes back worse
A virtual visit is not an emergency service. For chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or a serious injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) at any time.
Get help in three steps
Request a visit
Tell us what is going on and choose video or phone.
Talk to a provider
Usually the same day, often within hours.
Start feeling better
Get your care plan and any prescription at your pharmacy.
Questions about cold and flu visits
Can I get flu medicine online?
Yes, when it is appropriate. Your provider will ask when your symptoms began and about your health, and prescribe an antiviral if it is likely to help.
Do antibiotics help a cold or flu?
No. Colds and flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are only used if a bacterial infection develops, such as some ear, sinus or chest infections.
Can I get a note for work or school?
Ask during your visit. Your provider can document the visit and recommend when it is safe to go back.
How much does an online visit cost?
Visits are part of your CheckMD membership – one yearly price, and you don't need insurance. You pay the pharmacy for any medicine. See the current plans on our pricing page or read about telehealth without insurance.
Can I be seen today?
Most visits happen the same day. Request a visit, choose video or phone and pick the earliest time.
What if I don't get better?
Book a follow-up visit. Your provider can adjust your treatment or tell you where to be seen in person. If you get worse quickly, don't wait – get urgent care.
Feeling unwell? Talk to a provider today.
See membership plans