Get online cold and flu treatment in minutes

Talk to a top-rated doctor or provider about your cold and flu 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

Get care for your cold and flu symptoms in 3 simple steps.

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 and flu symptoms and treatment options during a face-to-face video call with a licensed clinician.
3. Get a prescriptionIf medication is prescribed, your provider will send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy for same-day pickup.

Browse available online providers for fast cold and flu relief

About Cold and flu treatment

Treatment Options

The common cold and the flu are viral infections that affect your upper respiratory tract (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

The flu is also more likely to cause symptoms such as chills, body aches and fever.

If your symptoms are not improving after 10 days, or if they worsen significantly, it's important to talk with a healthcare provider. Extended or severe symptoms could be a sign of a bacterial infection or another underlying medical condition. Your provider can assess your symptoms and create a treatment plan to help you feel better.

Below are common treatment options for cold + flu symptoms. During your visit, talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment for your cold and tips to prevent spreading the infection.

There are a number of flu and cold medicines that can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. Common prescription and over-the-counter medicines include:

  • Pain relievers: OTC medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce headaches and discomfort associated with a cold or the flu.
  • Expectorants: OTC expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex) can help loosen up mucus and clear your airways.
  • Decongestants: Decongestant medications such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are widely available as nasal sprays or oral tablets. These drugs can loosen up mucus in the nose to reduce stuffiness. If you have high blood pressure, avoid these medicines.
  • Cough suppressants: OTC cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin) help to suppress coughing. Cough drops and lozenges can also offer temporary relief from a sore throat.
  • Antihistamines: Antihistamines such as doxylamine (NyQuil) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are widely available over the counter and help reduce sneezing and stuffiness. Non-drowsy antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec can also help, especially if you also have seasonal or environmental allergies.
  • Antivirals: If you have the flu, prescription antiviral drugs like Tamiflu, Xofluza, and Relenza can help with symptom relief. These medications are most effective when taken within 24-48 hours of developing flu symptoms, so it’s important to talk to a provider about a prescription as soon as you feel under the weather.

There are several at-home methods that may reduce cold and flu symptoms and encourage recovery. These self-care tips include:

  • Drink plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated with plenty of water, fruit juice, and broth. 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 start to improve.
  • 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 can help support your immune system.

Save more with Sesame,
insured or not.

If you're uninsured...

  • Get cold and flu treatment at a low, upfront price
  • Skip the lines at the clinic
  • Know what you’re paying without any hidden fees

If you're insured...

  • Our prices are often cheaper than your co-pay
  • Avoid long wait times for in-network providers
  • Generic medications are covered by most insurance plans

Pay with Credit Card, HSA or FSA

FAQs

Have more questions about cold and flu?

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.

The common cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses, but cold symptoms are typically milder and develop slowly, while flu symptoms come on rapidly and are more severe. However, both conditions share nearly identical symptoms, including a sore throat, cough, or stuffy nose.

Because of these similarities, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider early on to get the right diagnosis and treatment. During your appointment, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and exposure to help identify if it's a cold, the flu, or another respiratory illness like COVID-19. They can then recommend the right course of treatment.

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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