Adult Influenza Treatment (Flu Infection)
Fast MD-only flu care for adults in California by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Sudden fever, chills, body aches, headache, and cough are classic signs of influenza (the flu). Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to distinguish influenza from COVID-19 and common cold viruses, screen for red flags that require in-person care, and prescribe oseltamivir and targeted symptom relief when appropriate for adults located in California.
- $49 flat-fee visit, no hidden costs
- MD-only care, no mid-level providers
- No insurance required or accepted
- Available for adults in California (and 25+ states)
- Secure, encrypted video visits from home
Online Flu Care by California-Licensed MDs
- Typical visit length: 10–15 minutes
- Oseltamivir eligibility screening when appropriate
- Evidence-based home care and symptom relief
- No urgent care waiting room or exposure
For adults only (18+). You must be physically located in California at the time of your video visit. We do not prescribe controlled substances or chronic opioids for influenza.
What Is Influenza (Flu)?
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, most commonly influenza A or B. It typically presents with abrupt onset of fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and cough. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and feel more intense.
Most healthy adults recover from influenza within 1–2 weeks, but older adults and those with certain chronic conditions are at higher risk for complications such as pneumonia, worsening of underlying lung or heart disease, and hospitalization. Early treatment with an antiviral like oseltamivir can modestly shorten symptom duration and may reduce complications in higher-risk patients when started quickly.
TeleDirectMD focuses on evaluating acute influenza-like illness in adults, determining whether your illness is likely flu or another viral infection, and deciding whether antiviral therapy and home management are appropriate or whether you need in-person evaluation.
Common Flu Symptoms and Red Flags
During your visit, the MD will review your symptoms, timeline, risk factors, and test results (if available) to decide whether your illness is likely influenza, whether oseltamivir is appropriate, and whether telehealth care is safe.
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudden fever and chills | Classic systemic features of influenza | Yes, if stable and tolerating fluids | Persistent very high fever with rigors or signs of sepsis |
| Diffuse body aches and fatigue | Common in flu and other systemic viral illnesses | Yes | Severe weakness or inability to stand or walk safely |
| Cough and sore throat | Respiratory involvement seen in influenza and other viruses | Yes, if breathing comfortably | Severe cough with breathing difficulty or coughing up blood |
| Headache | Frequently accompanies flu | Yes | Severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, or neurologic changes |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Upper respiratory involvement; overlaps with common cold | Yes | Facial swelling, severe sinus pain with high fever suggesting complicated sinusitis |
| Shortness of breath or chest discomfort | May indicate lower respiratory involvement or pneumonia | Maybe; mild exertional symptoms need careful triage | Difficulty breathing at rest, chest pain, or oxygen saturation 93% or lower |
| Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down | Risk for dehydration and inability to take oral medications | No | Needs in-person or ER evaluation for IV fluids and monitoring |
| Confusion, new disorientation, or difficulty staying awake | Possible serious systemic illness or low oxygen | No | Requires emergency evaluation |
| Worsening cough and fever after initial improvement | Possible secondary bacterial pneumonia | Telehealth triage may be appropriate | Rapidly worsening breathing, chest pain, or high fever |
| Exacerbation of asthma, COPD, or heart disease | High-risk situation triggered by viral illness | Often no; depends on severity | Significant wheezing, low oxygen, or decompensated heart failure symptoms |
Conditions That Can Mimic Influenza
Several other illnesses can cause fever and respiratory symptoms similar to influenza. Part of your TeleDirectMD visit is carefully screening for these possibilities and advising on testing or in-person care when needed.
- COVID-19: Can look very similar to flu; home or lab testing often needed to distinguish.
- Other respiratory viruses (RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus): Cause overlapping symptoms with different risk profiles.
- Common cold: Typically milder and slower onset, often without abrupt high fever and severe body aches.
- Bacterial pneumonia: May follow influenza or occur independently, often with focal lung findings and higher severity.
- Strep throat: Causes severe sore throat and fever, sometimes without much cough.
- Acute bronchitis: Persistent cough after a viral illness with generally normal oxygen levels.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate vs. When to Go In-Person
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18–64 with sudden onset of fever, body aches, and cough
- Breathing comfortably at rest and speaking full sentences
- Tolerating fluids and able to take oral medications
- Symptom onset generally within the last 48 hours if considering antivirals
- No chest pain, confusion, or severe shortness of breath
- Seeking oseltamivir eligibility assessment and home-care guidance
- Physically located in California at the time of the video visit
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Difficulty breathing at rest or rapid breathing
- Chest pain or pressure, especially with exertion or breathing
- Oxygen saturation 93% or lower at rest if you have a pulse oximeter
- Confusion, difficulty staying awake, or new disorientation
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids or medicines down
- Signs of stroke, heart attack, or other acute emergency
- Severe flare of asthma, COPD, or heart failure symptoms
Treatment Options for Adult Influenza
Most adults with influenza can recover at home with supportive care. In higher-risk adults or those with more significant symptoms, early treatment with oseltamivir can modestly shorten illness duration and may reduce complications when started quickly after symptom onset. TeleDirectMD MDs follow guideline-based criteria for antiviral use and avoid unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections.
Supportive Care
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity during the febrile phase.
- Maintain hydration with water or oral rehydration solutions; sip small amounts frequently if appetite is low.
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if safe for you) for fever, headache, and body aches.
- Saline nasal spray, humidified air, and throat lozenges for congestion and sore throat.
- Cough suppressants or expectorants when appropriate for bothersome cough.
Oseltamivir – Example Regimens
Oseltamivir is an oral neuraminidase inhibitor that targets influenza A and B. It is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset and is generally reserved for higher-risk adults or those with more significant symptoms.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oseltamivir (standard adult dose) | 75 mg by mouth twice daily | 5 days | Adults with suspected or confirmed influenza at higher risk for complications or with more significant symptoms, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset. |
| Oseltamivir (dose adjustment) | Reduced dose based on kidney function | 5 days | Used in adults with known reduced kidney function using guideline-based dose adjustments. |
| Acetaminophen | 500 mg to 1,000 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed (maximum 3,000 mg per day) | As needed | For fever and pain relief if no significant liver disease or other contraindications. |
| Ibuprofen | 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed | As needed | For pain and inflammation if no kidney disease, ulcer history, or other contraindications. |
| Benzonatate | 100 mg to 200 mg by mouth three times daily as needed | Short term | For bothersome cough in adults who can safely use this medication and swallow capsules whole. |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated influenza and does not use non-evidence-based antiviral or “immune booster” regimens. If your symptoms or history suggest bacterial pneumonia or other complications, we will direct you to in-person care instead of managing solely by telehealth.
Home Care, Recovery, and Return to Work
Many adults with influenza start to feel better after several days, though cough and fatigue can linger for 1–2 weeks or longer. Your return-to-work timing should balance your symptoms, energy level, and employer or public health guidance about fever-free intervals.
- Stay home while you are febrile, significantly fatigued, or unable to perform job tasks safely.
- Be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications before returning to many workplaces, unless local guidance differs.
- Consider wearing a high-quality mask around others during early recovery to reduce spread, especially to high-risk individuals.
- Resume activity slowly and increase as your stamina returns.
TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your $49 visit. We do not complete long-term disability, FMLA, or complex occupational forms related to influenza.
Seek in-person or emergency evaluation if you develop new or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, low oxygen readings, or if you feel significantly worse after initial improvement.
What to Expect From Your TeleDirectMD Visit
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only virtual urgent care for acute respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and common cold viruses. Visits are conducted by secure video, last about 10–15 minutes, and cost $49 as a flat cash fee with no insurance involvement. During your flu visit, the MD will review your symptoms, timeline, medical history, medications, and risk factors to decide whether telehealth management and oseltamivir are appropriate.
If you meet criteria for influenza and benefit from antiviral therapy based on timing and risk factors, we can send an electronic prescription to your preferred local pharmacy in California. If you are not a candidate for antivirals or need in-person evaluation instead, we will explain why and guide you on the safest next step.
We do not prescribe controlled substances or unproven remedies for influenza by telehealth.
Influenza (Flu) Treatment FAQ
Can the flu really be treated through an online visit?
Yes, many adults with uncomplicated influenza can be managed safely through telehealth. TeleDirectMD MDs assess your symptoms, timing, and risk factors, rule out red flags that require in-person care, and determine whether you are a candidate for oseltamivir or should focus on supportive care alone. Any signs of severe illness will prompt a recommendation for in-person or emergency evaluation instead of online-only treatment.
How do you tell the difference between flu, COVID-19, and a common cold?
We look at the speed of onset, severity of fever and body aches, type of cough and congestion, known exposures, and any available test results. Influenza often causes abrupt high fever and severe body aches, while some colds are milder and slower in onset. COVID-19 can overlap with both and often requires testing to distinguish. Your MD may recommend home or lab tests if diagnosis remains uncertain.
Do I need a flu test before starting oseltamivir?
Not always. During peak flu season with classic symptoms and known exposure, guideline-based care may allow empiric treatment without testing, especially in higher-risk adults. However, testing may be recommended in some situations, such as off-season illness, atypical symptoms, or when test results would change management. Your MD will discuss the best approach based on your case.
How quickly do I need to start oseltamivir for it to help?
Oseltamivir is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Benefits may be more limited if started later, but it can still be considered in some higher-risk situations. During your visit, we will review when your symptoms began to decide whether oseltamivir is likely to be helpful or whether supportive care alone is appropriate.
Will oseltamivir make my flu go away immediately?
No. Oseltamivir can modestly shorten the duration of flu symptoms and may reduce complications in higher-risk adults, but it does not stop the illness instantly. You may still feel ill for several days, and fatigue or cough can persist beyond the acute phase. Supportive care remains important whether or not you take oseltamivir.
Do you prescribe antibiotics for the flu?
No. Influenza is caused by a virus, and antibiotics do not treat viral infections. We use antibiotics only when there is clear concern for a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, which usually requires in-person evaluation and sometimes chest imaging. TeleDirectMD focuses on antiviral and supportive care for confirmed or suspected influenza.
What if I have asthma, COPD, or heart disease?
Flu can be more serious in adults with underlying lung or heart conditions. We will ask detailed questions about your baseline function, medications, and current symptoms. You may be more likely to benefit from oseltamivir, but we will also have a low threshold to recommend in-person evaluation if you show any signs of decompensation, such as worsening shortness of breath or chest pain.
When can I go back to work after having the flu?
Return-to-work timing depends on how you feel, whether you still have a fever, and your employer or local public health guidance. Many workplaces prefer that you stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications and feel well enough to perform your duties safely. TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note supporting time away from work when appropriate.
Can you help if my cough and fatigue last for weeks?
Cough and fatigue can linger after influenza, but prolonged or worsening symptoms can also indicate complications or another condition. TeleDirectMD can offer limited guidance and help determine whether further in-person evaluation is needed. Persistent or worsening symptoms often warrant a physical exam and possibly imaging or lab tests.
Are you available for flu care outside California?
TeleDirectMD currently serves adults located in California and in more than 25 additional states, offering MD-only video visits for conditions such as influenza, COVID-19, and common respiratory infections. During booking, you will confirm that you are physically located in a licensed state at the time of your visit so that our physicians can safely and legally provide care.