Get online cold treatment in minutes.

Talk to a top-rated doctor or provider about your cold symptoms and get a same-day prescription sent to your local pharmacy if appropriate. No long waits, no hidden fees, no insurance needed.

Convenient video appointment
24/7 availability
Same-day prescription available
No insurance necessary

Feeling better is as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Pick a providerBrowse provider reviews, same-day time slots, and upfront prices as low as $37 before you book.
2. Meet with your providerDiscuss your cold symptoms and treatment options during a face-to-face video call with a licensed clinician.
3. Get a prescriptionIf cold medication is prescribed, your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy for same-day pickup.

Common cold appointments

About Cold

Colds are a type of viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract (your nose, mouth, sinuses, and throat). When these areas become inflamed, it can result in symptoms such as:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose (also known as nasal discharge or rhinitis)
  • Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Sinus pressure or facial pressure
  • Sore throat
  • Decreased sense of smell

Common colds are generally very mild and require little to no medical attention. However, some infections can lead to complications such as:

  • Asthma or COPD exacerbations
  • Ear infections
  • Sinus infections
  • Acute bronchitis (chest cold)

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a cold, avoid going out in public. The infection is easily spread through respiratory secretions and on surfaces. Practice good hygiene and rest until your symptoms have passed.

Treatment Options
Below are common treatment options for a cold. During your visit, talk to your health care provider about the best treatment for your cold, along with tips to prevent spreading the infection.

While medication won’t "cure" a cold, it can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. Common forms of medication used to treat colds include:

  • Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce headaches and discomfort associated with a cold.

  • Decongestants: Decongestant medication such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are widely available as nasal sprays or oral tablets. These drugs can loosen up mucus in the nose and reduce the stuffiness associated with a cold. If you have high blood pressure, avoid these medicines.

  • Cough suppressants: Over-the-counter cough medicine such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin) help to suppress coughing and reduce the symptoms of a cold.

  • Antihistamines: Antihistamines such as Benadryl are widely available over-the-counter, and help reduce the sneezing and stuffiness associated with a cold. Non-drowsy antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec can also help, especially if you also have seasonal or environmental allergies.

Most colds will start to go away within a week. There are several methods you can use to reduce symptoms and encourage recovery. These self-care tips include:

- Drink plenty of fluids. To maintain hydration, drink plenty of water, fruit juice, and broths. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can dry you out.

- Rest. To speed up recovery, make sure to get plenty of rest. Avoid social contact, and refrain from strenuous activity until your symptoms begin to go away.

- Use a humidifier. To relieve coughing and loosen mucus, use a cool air humidifier to keep your home moisturized.

- Supplements. Vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea may help shorten the recovery time of a common cold. More evidence is needed to confirm this, so talk to your doctor to see if these alternative medicines are right for you.

FAQs

Medically reviewed by:Dr. Allison Edwards, MD

You can help your body recover from a cold by getting enough sleep (between 7-9 hours a night) and drinking plenty of fluids. Some home remedies may offer relief as well; gargling with salt water can help with a sore throat, while humidifiers can help with congestion.

If your cold symptoms are painful or persistent, prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications may be necessary. These treatment options include decongestants, cough suppressants, throat lozenges, antihistamine nasal sprays, or pain relievers like Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Yes, you can get online cold treatment and medication by booking a telehealth visit with one of Sesame’s board-certified healthcare providers. During your visit, your provider will assess your symptoms and health concerns, determine a treatment plan, and send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy for same-day pickup if appropriate.

No. Sesame does not accept insurance to keep prices low and transparent – the upfront price you see next to your provider’s name is the price you pay!

However, you can pay for your online visit using your Health Savings Account (HSA) card or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card if you have one.

If you do have insurance and are prescribed medication during your appointment, your prescription may be covered depending on your plan.

You will also receive a prescription savings card from Sesame if medication is prescribed. The prescription savings card is often cheaper than a co-pay on your prescription, so we recommend comparing your insurance co-pay to the savings card price before filling your prescription.

Yes! Sesame is available to all patients regardless of insurance status. Simply browse Sesame providers, select a price and an appointment time slot that works for you, and get the care you need without hidden fees or surprise bills.

If medication is prescribed during your appointment, you will also receive a prescription discount card that you can show to your pharmacist when you pick up your medication for even more savings.

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