Ogaei Care

Telehealth for Flu and Cold Relief

Influenza (flu) often starts suddenly and hits harder than a common cold. With Ogaei, you can skip the waiting room and get fast, convenient care for fever, cough, and body aches. Our doctors can diagnose your symptoms and, when appropriate, send a prescription for an antiviral like Tamiflu online to your pharmacy in minutes.

For: Ages 18+ (Under 18 with parental consent)
Estimated wait time: 5 minutes or less

What is the Flu (vs. a Cold)?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Colds are most often caused by rhinoviruses and similar respiratory viruses. Both spread through droplets/aerosols and contaminated surfaces, but flu symptoms tend to be more intense and sudden.

Symptoms of flu vs. cold
  • Fever or chills (more common with flu)
  • Cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose
  • Body aches, headaches, fatigue
  • Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting (sometimes with flu)
  • Colds are usually caused by common respiratory viruses (e.g., rhinovirus, seasonal coronaviruses, adenovirus).
  • Flu is caused by influenza A or B viruses and tends to have more sudden onset with higher fever and body aches.
  • Both spread through droplets/aerosols and contaminated surfaces—hand hygiene and staying home when sick help reduce spread.
  • Antibiotics don’t treat viruses. Your provider may recommend antivirals for flu when appropriate (often most effective if started within ~48 hours of symptom onset).

Your Ogaei provider will:

  • Symptom review & history: onset, exposures, vaccination status, risk factors (pregnancy, chronic conditions)
  • Video assessment: breathing effort, hydration status, ability to speak full sentences, guided self-exam
  • Home testing guidance: when to use/interpret at-home flu or COVID-19 tests; when in-person testing is advised
  • Rule-out conditions: COVID-19strep throat, sinusitis, RSV, allergies, pneumonia red flags
  • Care plan: treatment recommendations, prescriptions when appropriate, and follow-up
  • Escalation: referral to in-person or emergency care for severe symptoms (e.g., trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, persistent high fever)

How to Treat the Flu?

Ogaei providers can help you manage symptoms quickly and safely from home. During a telehealth visit, we’ll review your condition and may recommend over-the-counter remedies, prescribe antivirals for flu when appropriate, and give you guidance on how to recover faster.

Common online treatment options
  • Symptom relief medications (for fever, cough, congestion, body aches)
  • Antiviral prescriptions for flu, when indicated
  • Guidance on safe use of OTC medications
  • Hydration and rest plans
  • Return-to-work/school guidance and doctor’s notes when appropriate
  • Follow-up and prevention advice (hand hygiene, masks when ill, vaccination reminders)

Pain and Fever Reducers

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)
  • Multi-symptom cold and flu remedies

Cough Suppressants

  • Dextromethorphan (found in Robitussin, Vicks 44)

Antihistamines

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Loratadine (Claritin)

Decongestants

  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
  • Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
  • Oxymetazoline nasal spray (Afrin)

Antiviral Drugs (for flu only, prescribed when appropriate)

  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
  • Zanamivir (Relenza)
  • Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)
  • Peramivir (Rapivab, IV use in hospital settings)

Expectorants

  • Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin)

  • Prescription-strength cough suppressants or inhalers (when indicated)
  • Treatments for secondary bacterial infections if suspected (e.g., sinusitis, pneumonia)—antibiotics are not effective for viruses
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever/aches
  • Decongestants, antihistamines
  • Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan) and expectorants (guaifenesin)
  • Throat lozenges, saline sprays, humidifiers
  • Hydrate frequently; rest and avoid strenuous activity
  • Use fever/ache reducers as directed
  • Consider a cool-mist humidifier and saline nasal rinses
  • Isolate when febrile; practice hand hygiene and mask if around others
  • Seek care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear

An online flu visit costs between $0–$99.

Ogaei is a covered benefit for over 98 million Americans. If you’re covered by your employer or insurance, then you’ll pay $0. No insurance, no problem. You can use Ogaei starting at $99 per visit.

Why Patients Choose Virtual Flu Care

Convenience

Access care from anywhere, anytime.

Speed

Most patients are seen in less than 5 minutes.

Affordability

Covered by many insurance plans or just $99 without.

Accessibility

No travel, no waiting room, and privacy guaranteed.

How a telehealth visit for the flu works

1
Set up your account.

Once you finish registering, you’ll be able to see the cost of your visit.

2
See the next available provider or schedule your appointment.

Select your concern and answer a few questions to provide the doctor with some context.

3
Start your live virtual visit.

Meet with one of our board-certified doctors who will diagnose your symptoms and offer a custom treatment plan. If needed, you can get prescriptions delivered to you or sent to your local pharmacy.

Download The App Today

Just Scan The QR Code With Your Phone
Join satisfied patients and access healthcare online. For the best healthcare experience, we recommend downloading our app. With it, you can easily book appointments and access our digital services.

What our patients are saying

“I was a little unsure about using an online healthcare service in Ontario, but Ogaei completely won me over. The doctor was kind, professional, and took the time to listen. The best part? The visit was covered by OHIP, so I didn’t have to worry about any extra costs. It’s amazing that this kind of virtual medical support is available without added fees. I’ll be using Ogaei again for sure.”

__Charlotte Martin

“My child had a sudden allergic reaction, and Ogaei connected us with a virtual doctor covered by OHIP in just a few minutes. We avoided a stressful trip to the ER and got care right away. The doctor was calm, knowledgeable, and caring. I’m so grateful this kind of online medical service is available when you need it most.”

__James Wilson

“A friend recommended Ogaei when I needed to talk to someone about a minor health issue. It was so easy to speak with a doctor online in Ontario no sitting around in a waiting room. The platform was simple to use, and the online appointment made my life way easier, especially during the winter. It’s a convenient option if you’re busy and want quick medical advice.”

__Noah Leblanc

“As a student in Toronto, finding time for in-person doctor visits is tough. With Ogaei, I was able to see a licensed Ontario doctor online just 20 minutes after signing up. The doctor gave me a quick, accurate diagnosis and sent my prescription to a local pharmacy. This kind of virtual healthcare is exactly what students and busy people need.”

__Emma Roy

“Ogaei was a total time-saver for me. I booked an online consultation with a doctor in Ontario during my lunch break, no waiting room, no hassle. The service was fast, professional. It’s reassuring to know that getting medical help online in Ontario can be this simple and effective.”

__Olivia Smith

“I couldn’t get a same-day appointment with my regular doctor, so I decided to try Ogaei and I’m so glad I did. I was connected with a licensed Ontario doctor online in just a few minutes. The entire virtual care experience was incredibly smooth and stress-free. From the consultation to getting my prescription, everything was handled through the platform. I’d definitely recommend it if you need fast, reliable care without leaving home.”

__Liam Tremblay

Common questions you may have about Cold & Flu

Can’t find the answer you are looking for? Contact us or info@ogaei.ca any time.

Can you give a doctor’s note for work or school?

Yes—when appropriate after a virtual evaluation, your provider may be able to write you a doctor’s note.

If clinically indicated after your evaluation, your provider can prescribe oseltamivir (tamiflu) or another antiviral and send it to your local pharmacy within minutes.

Antivirals work best when started within ~48 hours of symptom onset, though they may still help some patients later. Start a visit as soon as you notice flu-like symptoms

Yes. Our providers can evaluate symptoms, recommend care, and prescribe antivirals when appropriate—all online.

Not necessarily. Our doctors will meet with you to determine if a lab test is necessary based on your symptoms. However, you may need to visit a lab if you have severe symptoms or if you have other medical problems and are at higher risk for serious infections.

It’s a good idea to see a doctor for a cold if you experience any of the following:

  • Your symptoms are severe or get worse instead of better.a
  • You have a high fever (over 102°F) that doesn’t come down with medication.
  • You have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
  • You experience sudden dizziness or confusion.
  • You can’t keep any food or liquid down or you are experiencing ongoing nausea and vomiting.
  • You’re part of a high-risk group (e.g., over 65, pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions).

With Ogaei, you can see a doctor from the comfort of your home! Our providers are often available within minutes. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best course of action for you.

The common cold and flu are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Both share common symptoms and can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue.

Flu symptoms typically include sudden onset of fever (above 100°F), body aches, fatigue, headache, and sometimes cough and sore throat. Unlike colds, flu symptoms are usually more severe, come on quickly, and often include high fever and extreme exhaustion. Colds generally develop more gradually and are characterized by milder symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, usually without significant fever. While both illnesses can cause similar respiratory symptoms, the intensity and suddenness of onset are key differentiators between flu and cold.

Learning about these conditions, how long they may last, and how to get relief is key to understanding the right treatment for your symptoms. If you’re sick with the cold, flu, RSV, or COVID-19, it can be hard to find a provider who’s available when you need them. With Doctor On Demand, see one of our board-certified providers from wherever you are. Our medical experts share how we can help with the cold and flu below. Get seen today!

You should go to the doctor for flu (influenza) if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, or persistent vomiting. It’s also important to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen after initially improving, if you have a high fever (above 102°F for adults) that doesn’t respond to medication, or if you’re in a high-risk group (e.g., over 65, pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions). If you can see a doctor within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, our providers may prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the severity and duration of your illness. Typically, our online doctors are available within 5 minutes, no appointment needed, and we accept insurance but it is not a requirement.

The incubation period is the time between when you’re infected and when your symptoms first appear. The incubation period for the common cold is between 12 hours and three days after exposure to the virus.

Generally, you don’t need to see a doctor for a common cold, as it typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days. However, you should consult a doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen after initially improving, or if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a high fever that lasts more than 3 days. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions, it’s advisable to seek medical attention for cold symptoms. Ogaei telehealth providers are available within minutes to help you diagnose your cold or flu.

The symptoms of COVID-19 can be similar to cold and flu. The most common symptoms are fever, cough and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. People may also experience any of the following symptoms: muscle or body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or a loss of taste or smell. The best way to get the help you need is to have a doctor or nurse practitioner help with diagnosing your symptoms.

Skip the waiting room. See a board-certified provider in minutes for telehealth for flu (and cold) and get the right treatment plan fast.