Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly, with symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough and fatigue. However, other respiratory illnesses (like COVID-19 and the common cold) can also cause flu-like symptoms, which is why it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider early on to get the right diagnosis.

During your online appointment, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and exposure to help identify if it's the flu or something else. Be sure to share if you've been around someone with the flu so that your provider can give you the best advice and treatment!

No. Sesame does not accept insurance in order 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.

Flu antiviral drugs are prescription medications that help reduce the severity of your flu symptoms. Common flu antivirals include Tamiflu, Xofluza, and Relenza.

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 begin to feel under the weather.

Like most medications, flu antivirals can have side effects - common ones include nausea, vomiting, headache, and in some cases, diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, and your Sesame provider will discuss them with you during your visits.

You’ll also be able to message your provider after your visit in case you have any follow-up questions or concerns!

Some health conditions and professions can increase your risk of developing flu complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and more. High-risk groups include:

• Adults 65 and older
• Young children (especially under 5 years old)
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
• Healthcare workers
• People with a weakened immune system due to illness or medications
• Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have any of these conditions during your appointment. If you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a high fever that won't go away, it's important to seek in-person medical attention right away.