Cold & Flu — Online Consultation & Treatment
Get professional medical care for cold and flu symptoms. Speak to qualified UK clinicians online with same-day appointments and prescriptions.
- Professional online consultation and treatment advice
- Same-day prescriptions when appropriate
- Secure video consultations from home
Secure Telehealth Platform Trusted by Over 150,000 Patients
What are Cold & Flu?
Cold and flu are viral infections affecting the respiratory system. While similar, flu symptoms are typically more severe and come on suddenly, whereas cold symptoms develop gradually.
Common Symptoms
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough and sore throat
- Fever and chills (more common with flu)
- Body aches and fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Common Causes
- Viral infections (rhinovirus, influenza virus)
- Airborne droplets from infected people
- Touching contaminated surfaces
- Weakened immune system
- Close contact with infected individuals
How Our Online Consultation Can Help
- Assess severity of symptoms
- Prescribe antiviral medications if appropriate
- Provide symptom relief medications
- Issue sick notes for work or school
- Advise on recovery and prevention
Home Remedies
- Plenty of rest and sleep
- Stay well hydrated
- Warm salt water gargles
- Honey and lemon drinks
- Steam inhalation
Medical Treatments
- Antiviral medications (for flu)
- Decongestants
- Cough suppressants
- Pain and fever relievers
Commonly Prescribed Medications
Paracetamol
Reduces fever and relieves aches and pains
Ibuprofen
Anti-inflammatory for body aches and fever
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Antiviral medication for flu treatment
Pseudoephedrine
Decongestant for blocked nose
When to Seek Urgent Care
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- High fever that doesn't respond to medication
- Severe headache with neck stiffness
- Signs of dehydration
- Symptoms worsen after initial improvement
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or visiting your nearest A&E.
FAQs
How can I tell if it's cold or flu?
Flu symptoms are typically more severe, come on suddenly, and include high fever and body aches. Our clinicians can help differentiate.
Do I need antibiotics for cold or flu?
No, antibiotics don't work against viruses. Our clinicians will only prescribe antibiotics if there's a secondary bacterial infection.
How long should I stay off work?
Usually until you're fever-free for 24 hours. We can provide sick notes if needed.
Can you prescribe Tamiflu?
Yes, if appropriate and started within 48 hours of symptom onset, our clinicians can prescribe antiviral medications.
Medically Reviewed by: Mohammed Hassan - Independent Prescriber
Last Updated: August 2025