Adult Influenza Treatment (Flu) in Texas
Fast MD-only flu care by video, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Sudden fever, body aches, chills, and dry cough are classic signs of influenza (flu). Flu can range from a self-limited illness to a serious infection in higher-risk adults. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to distinguish influenza from common colds and COVID-19 by video visit and prescribe antiviral treatment such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) when appropriate.
- Board-certified MD every visit
- Video-only care, no waiting rooms
- $49 flat fee, no insurance needed
- Antivirals prescribed when medically appropriate
What Is Influenza (Flu)?
Influenza is a contagious viral respiratory illness that typically causes sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, and cough. It circulates seasonally, most often in fall and winter. While many healthy adults recover within 1–2 weeks, older adults and those with chronic conditions are at higher risk for complications such as pneumonia.
TeleDirectMD focuses on evaluating influenza in otherwise stable adults. During your secure video visit, a TeleDirectMD physician reviews the timing, severity, and pattern of your symptoms and screens for warning signs that require urgent in-person care. As long as you are physically located in Texas at the time of your visit, we can evaluate your symptoms and, when appropriate, send prescriptions to your local Texas pharmacy.
Typical Symptoms Versus Red Flags
Many flu symptoms can be evaluated safely online, but some patterns suggest pneumonia, severe dehydration, or other complications that require in-person assessment. The table below compares common findings.
| Symptom pattern | More likely uncomplicated flu | Suggests more serious illness | Red flag (urgent in-person care) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Sudden fever, often 100–102°F, with chills and body aches | Persistent high fever lasting several days despite medication | Fever with confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing |
| Cough and breathing | Dry cough, mild shortness of breath with exertion | Worsening cough with yellow or green mucus | Severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or chest pain |
| Body aches and fatigue | Generalized muscle aches and marked fatigue | Inability to perform basic self-care due to weakness | Extreme weakness, confusion, or inability to stand safely |
| Hydration | Reduced appetite but able to drink fluids | Significantly decreased fluid intake | Persistent vomiting, dizziness, or signs of dehydration |
| Underlying conditions | No major chronic heart or lung disease | Stable chronic conditions with flu symptoms | Flu symptoms in adults with severe heart failure, advanced COPD, or major immunosuppression |
| Overall course | Symptoms beginning to improve after several days | Symptoms worsening after initial improvement | Rapid deterioration, confusion, or signs of sepsis |
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Age 18 or older
- Fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue
- Cough, sore throat, or congestion without severe distress
- Able to drink fluids and take oral medications
- No severe shortness of breath or chest pain
- No confusion or altered mental status
- No signs of severe dehydration
- Willing to seek in-person care if advised
Red Flag Symptoms, In-Person or Emergency Care
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion, disorientation, or new trouble waking up
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep down fluids
- High fever with shaking chills and very ill appearance
- Blue lips or face
- Signs of dehydration such as very dry mouth, minimal urination, or feeling faint
- Flu symptoms in adults with severe heart, lung, or immune system disease
How TeleDirectMD Treats Adult Influenza
Supportive Care Measures
- Using over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen when appropriate
- Encouraging regular fluid intake to prevent dehydration
- Advising rest and reduced activity during the acute illness
- Discussing cough and cold remedies that are safe for your conditions
- Reviewing isolation and masking recommendations to reduce spread
When Antiviral Medication Is Appropriate
Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can shorten illness and reduce complications when started early in the course of influenza, especially for higher-risk adults. During your video visit, your MD:
- Confirms a symptom pattern and timing consistent with influenza
- Reviews your chronic medical conditions and medications
- Determines whether you meet criteria for antiviral treatment based on risk factors and symptom onset
- Explains benefits, side effects, and expected course of illness
Common Adult Antiviral Regimens When Indicated
| Medication | Typical adult dose | Usual duration | When we use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oseltamivir oral | 75 mg BID | 5 days | First-line antiviral for adults with suspected or confirmed influenza, especially when started within 48 hours of symptom onset or in higher-risk adults. |
Antivirals are not necessary for every adult with flu and do not replace supportive care. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for flu symptoms.
Home Care Tips for Flu Symptoms
- Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity.
- Drink fluids regularly such as water, broths, or electrolyte drinks unless restricted.
- Use fever reducers and pain relievers as directed by your MD.
- Stay home from work or public places while you have fever and significant symptoms.
- Follow public health guidance if influenza or COVID-19 is suspected.
Return to Work Guidance
Many adults can return to work when fever has resolved for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and they feel well enough to perform usual tasks. Your TeleDirectMD physician can provide a simple work note when medically appropriate. TeleDirectMD does not complete disability, FMLA, or long-term workplace accommodation paperwork.
TeleDirectMD provides evidence-based virtual urgent care for adults, including influenza, COVID-19, colds, urinary tract infections, skin concerns, and medication refills. All visits are with a board-certified MD by secure video, with clear guidance for when in-person care is required instead of telehealth alone.
Adult Influenza Questions and Answers
Can a doctor diagnose the flu by video visit?
In many adults, yes. Influenza is often diagnosed clinically based on the timing and pattern of fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue during flu season. During your TeleDirectMD visit, an MD reviews your symptoms, risk factors, and red flags to decide if your illness is likely flu or whether in-person testing is needed.
How do you tell the flu from a common cold or COVID-19?
Flu tends to cause more sudden onset of higher fever, prominent body aches, and marked fatigue, whereas colds often cause milder symptoms. COVID-19 can overlap with both and may include loss of taste or smell or specific exposure history. Your TeleDirectMD physician reviews timing, exposures, and symptom pattern to help distinguish among these illnesses and advise on testing.
Do I always need Tamiflu for the flu?
Not always. Antivirals are most helpful for higher-risk adults or when started early in the illness. Healthy adults with mild symptoms may recover fully with supportive care alone. Your MD explains whether you are likely to benefit from oseltamivir or whether observation and home care are reasonable.
How soon should I start antiviral treatment?
Antivirals such as oseltamivir work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, although certain high-risk adults may still benefit later. If you suspect flu and are in a higher-risk group, seeking evaluation early in the illness is recommended.
Can TeleDirectMD order flu testing?
Yes. When testing would change management, your TeleDirectMD physician can guide you to local testing options and interpret results in the context of your illness. In many uncomplicated cases, treatment decisions can be made clinically without testing.
Is TeleDirectMD available throughout Texas for flu care?
Yes. As long as you are physically located in Texas at the time of your visit and can access a local pharmacy, you can use TeleDirectMD for flu evaluation. This includes adults in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, and rural counties across the state.
When should I go to urgent care or the emergency room instead of telehealth?
You should seek in-person care urgently for red flags such as trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, inability to keep down fluids, signs of severe dehydration, or rapidly worsening symptoms. These can indicate pneumonia or other complications that cannot be managed by telehealth alone.
Does the flu shot mean I cannot still get the flu?
No vaccine is 100% effective, but the flu shot lowers your risk of infection and often makes illness milder if you do get sick. Your TeleDirectMD physician can discuss vaccination as part of long-term prevention, even if you are currently ill.
Does TeleDirectMD take insurance for flu visits?
TeleDirectMD visits are offered at a $49 flat fee and are not billed to insurance. Pharmacy and laboratory costs are separate and may be submitted to insurance or paid directly, depending on your coverage and preferences.
Who will I see during my online flu visit?
All TeleDirectMD visits are provided by licensed physicians. You will see an MD, not a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, for your influenza evaluation and treatment plan.