What Do Doctors Prescribe for the Flu on a Telehealth Visit?
When home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications don’t work for the flu, people usually turn to doctor visits. But what exactly do doctors recommend for flu treatment?
We analyzed hundreds of flu treatment recommendations from Sesame’s doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to see what’s commonly prescribed. Here’s what we found.
Doctors Often Start Treatment Before the Test
Based on frequent treatment recommendations from Sesame doctors, you may not need to have a positive flu test in order to start treating you. If the flu is spreading in your area, your symptoms align with those of the flu, or if someone close to you recently tested positive for the flu, your Sesame provider may start treatment immediately without requiring a flu test.
- Common flu medications for adults: Most adults are prescribed Tamiflu (oseltamivir). The standard plan is one 75 mg pill, twice a day, for five days. Clinical recommendations from our doctors show that this medicine remains one of the best things to take for flu symptoms when started within the first 48 hours of your symptoms developing.
- Common cough medications for adults: For patients who are suffering from constant coughing, doctors on Sesame often prescribe benzonatate. It works by numbing the cough reflex better than many over-the-counter cough syrups. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed medicines for flu symptoms when over-the-counter options aren't cutting it.
- Important safety information: Benzonatate capsules must never be chewed or crushed. If they pop in the mouth, they can numb the throat so much that it creates a choking hazard or an allergic reaction.
Practical Ways to Handle Symptoms: What to Take When You Have the Flu
There are several OTC medications that can help with flu symptoms, including Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen). If you are taking these medications, doctors on Sesame often recommend the following tips:
- Be mindful of your Tylenol (acetaminophen) intake: Many over-the-counter flu syrups already contain it. It’s common for Sesame doctors to warn patients not to take extra Tylenol on top of those syrups, as it can be hard on your liver.
- Switch medications: For a high fever, doctors often suggest rotating between Tylenol and Advil (ibuprofen). This helps keep your temperature down more steadily than just using one or the other, and is one of the more effective ways of treating flu symptoms at home without a prescription.
How Do Telehealth Doctors Treat Flu vs. COVID vs. a Cold?
Based on the most frequent treatment recommendations, Sesame doctors usually look for symptoms that are specific to the flu, COVID, and the cold. They’ll then use those symptoms to determine the right course of treatment.
| If the Doctor Sees... | The Most Common Treatment Is… |
|---|---|
| Clear Flu Symptoms | A 5-day course of Tamiflu and lots of rest. |
| COVID Symptoms | A prescription for Paxlovid (if you qualify). |
When You Should Go to the ER
Telehealth is great for most flu cases, but our doctors also look for "red flags" that mean you need a hospital visit. While most patients are able to recover from the flu at home, doctors and providers on Sesame tend to look for three main signs that can signal a medical emergency.
- False Recovery: If you feel better for a day or two but then your fever comes back even worse, you might have developed pneumonia.
- Trouble breathing: This includes chest pain when you breathe or feeling winded just from sitting up.
- Severe dehydration: If you reach a point where you can't keep any water or soup down for several hours, you may need an IV at the hospital.
How to Feel Better with the Flu
Doctors on Sesame commonly recommend several at-home remedies for comfort. These tips won't replace what doctors prescribe for the flu, but they can make a real difference in how quickly you start feeling like yourself again:
- For the throat: Salt-water gargles or even eating popsicles may help with the pain from a sore throat.
- For the nose: Doctors often suggest using a simple saline nasal spray or Flonase to help you breathe so you can actually get some sleep.
- The 3-day check: Doctors on Sesame often tell patients to call back if they don't feel any better after three days of treatment.
How Sesame can Help
If you’re struggling with constant coughing, being wiped out by a fever, or just aren't sure whether you’re dealing with flu or something else, Sesame is here to help. Our licensed providers can evaluate your symptoms via a virtual flu visit on the same day.
During your video call, our provider will assess your condition, find the right treatment for you, and prescribe medications for same-day pickup at your local pharmacy, if needed.
