Common symptoms
What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.
- Runny or stuffy nose and sneezing
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Cough
- Fever or chills, more common with the flu
- Body aches, headache, and feeling worn out
Cold, flu & breathing
Cold and flu: virtual care options
Colds and the flu are both infections caused by viruses that affect the nose, throat, and airways. A cold usually comes on slowly and stays mild, while the flu often hits suddenly with fever, body aches, and tiredness.
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What a virtual visit may involve
Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.
- A video or online visit where a licensed provider asks about your symptoms and when they started
- A provider may discuss whether flu treatment makes sense, which works best when started early
- Prescriptions, if appropriate, can be sent to a pharmacy near you
- Advice on rest, fluids, and the warning signs to watch for
When in-person care may be better
Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.
- You are pregnant, over 65, or have a long-term heart, lung, or kidney condition
- A baby or young child is sick, especially with a fever
- Symptoms improve and then come back worse
- A provider wants you tested or examined in person
When to go to the ER
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Confusion, severe weakness, or trouble staying awake
- Bluish lips or face
- Not urinating, or signs of severe dehydration
Ready to explore a virtual visit for Cold & flu?
Check availability, pricing, and care details directly with the provider. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue.
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Common questions
Cold & flu, answered.
General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.
How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu?
The flu tends to start suddenly with fever, body aches, and exhaustion, while a cold builds slowly and mostly affects the nose and throat. Symptoms overlap, so a provider or a test is the best way to know.
Can a doctor treat the flu online?
Often, yes. A provider can review your symptoms during a virtual visit and, if appropriate, may prescribe flu treatment, which tends to work best within the first couple of days. They will tell you if you should be seen in person.
How long do cold and flu symptoms last?
A cold often clears within about a week to ten days. The flu usually improves within one to two weeks, though tiredness and cough can linger longer.
This is not for emergencies.
For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.