OHIP-Covered Telehealth for Cold and Flu Treatment in Ontario

Feeling under the weather? Get fast, professional care for flu and cold symptoms without leaving home. Connect with licensed Ontario physicians through secure video or phone consultations—fully covered by OHIP. Whether you’re dealing with fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches, our healthcare team is ready to assess your symptoms, provide treatment recommendations, and send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy.

What is the Flu (vs. a Cold)?

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza A or B viruses, characterized by rapid onset and systemic symptoms. The common cold, predominantly caused by rhinoviruses and other upper respiratory viruses, typically presents with milder symptoms and a more gradual progression. While both conditions transmit via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, influenza poses significantly greater risk for serious complications, particularly in vulnerable populations including the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.

Flu Symptoms (Influenza):
  • Sudden onset of high fever (typically 38°C/100°F or higher)
  • Severe chills and rigors
  • Pronounced body aches and myalgia
  • Severe fatigue and malaise lasting 1-2 weeks
  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Sore throat
  • Potential chest discomfort or dyspnea
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (especially in children)
  • Headaches and photophobia
  • Why You Catch Colds: Colds come from a wide variety of viruses—primarily rhinoviruses, but also seasonal coronaviruses and adenoviruses. Because there are over 200 different cold viruses, you can catch multiple colds throughout your life. Each one teaches your immune system to fight that particular virus, but it doesn’t protect you from the others. That’s why people can get several colds per year, especially during cold and flu season.
  • Why Flu Is Different: The flu is specifically caused by influenza A or B viruses. These are sneakier than cold viruses because they constantly change and evolve. This is why you might get the flu even if you had it last year—this year’s strain is different. This constant change is also why doctors recommend a new flu vaccine every year, rather than relying on immunity from previous years.
  • How These Viruses Spread: Both colds and flu travel through the air when sick people cough, sneeze, or even talk. They can also land on surfaces like doorknobs and phones, then transfer to your hands and face. The best defense is regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home when you’re ill to protect others. These simple steps dramatically reduce transmission.
  • Why Antibiotics Don’t Help: Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Taking antibiotics for a cold or flu won’t speed recovery and can contribute to antibiotic resistance—a serious public health problem. However, antiviral medications like Tamiflu can help with flu if started within the first 48 hours. This early treatment window is crucial because it can reduce how long you’re sick and prevent complications.

Your Ogaei provider will:

  • Clinical history review: detailed symptom timeline, exposure assessment, immunization records, pre-existing medical conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, pregnancy), current medications
  • Remote physical assessment: evaluation of breathing patterns and respiratory rate, vocal quality during conversation, hydration level indicators, patient-assisted examination of throat, neck lymph nodes, and sinus tenderness
  • Home diagnostic support: guidance on using at-home rapid flu and COVID-19 tests, interpretation of test results, timing recommendations for optimal accuracy, advice on when laboratory testing is necessary
  • Condition differentiation: systematic exclusion of COVID-19, bacterial strep throat infection, acute bacterial sinusitis, RSV infection, seasonal allergies, bronchitis, early pneumonia indicators
  • Tailored care strategy: customized symptom relief recommendations, prescription antivirals for influenza (when diagnosed early), antibiotics only when bacterial infection is suspected, electronic prescription transmission to your pharmacy
  • Ongoing monitoring plan: scheduled virtual follow-up appointments, symptom tracking instructions, guidance on expected recovery timeline, clear instructions for contacting your provider with concerns
  • Emergency care coordination: immediate referral protocols for dangerous symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, confusion or disorientation, inability to retain fluids, fever exceeding 40°C unresponsive to medication, bluish discoloration of lips or face

How to Treat the Flu?

Managing flu symptoms doesn’t mean you have to tough it out alone. Ogaei providers are here to support your recovery with personalized care—all from the comfort of your home. Through a convenient telehealth visit, we’ll carefully assess your symptoms, discuss treatment options tailored to your needs, recommend over-the-counter remedies that work, prescribe antiviral medications when they’ll make a real difference, and equip you with practical recovery strategies to help you feel better faster.

Common online treatment options
  • Targeted symptom relief: medications to reduce fever, ease cough, clear congestion, and relieve body aches so you can rest comfortably
  • Prescription antivirals for flu: when started early (within 48 hours), antiviral medications like Tamiflu can shorten illness duration and reduce symptom severity
  • Smart medication guidance: clear instructions on safely using over-the-counter medications, including proper dosing, timing, and which combinations to avoid
  • Rest and hydration strategies: personalized plans for adequate fluid intake, nutritional support during illness, and appropriate activity levels for recovery
  • Work and school documentation: medical notes and return-to-work/school guidance when needed, helping you navigate time off responsibly
  • Prevention and follow-up support: practical advice on hand hygiene, household transmission prevention, mask usage when around others, vaccination reminders, and scheduled follow-up to monitor your progress

Medications for Pain and Fever

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): reduces fever and relieves headaches, body aches, and sore throat pain; gentle on the stomach

  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): tackles fever, pain, and inflammation; particularly effective for body aches

  • Naproxen (Aleve): provides longer-lasting pain and fever relief (up to 12 hours per dose)

  • Multi-symptom cold and flu products: convenient combination medications that address several symptoms at once

Medications to Control Cough

  • Dextromethorphan (found in Robitussin DM, Vicks DayQuil, Delsym): quiets dry, irritating coughs so you can sleep and rest more comfortably

Medications for Runny Nose and Sneezing

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): effective for runny nose and sneezing but causes drowsiness—best taken at bedtime

  • Chlorpheniramine: older antihistamine that helps dry up nasal secretions

  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec): relieves runny nose and sneezing with minimal drowsiness

  • Loratadine (Claritin): 24-hour relief without drowsiness

Medications for Nasal Congestion

  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): powerful oral decongestant that opens nasal passages (requires ID to purchase)

  • Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE): milder decongestant available without restrictions

  • Oxymetazoline nasal spray (Afrin): provides fast relief when sprayed directly into nostrils (limit to 3 days maximum to prevent dependency)

Prescription Antivirals for Flu (When Appropriate)

  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu): most commonly prescribed flu medication; taken twice daily for 5 days; most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset

  • Zanamivir (Relenza): inhaled powder medication for flu; alternative for those who can’t take oral medications

  • Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza): convenient single-dose oral treatment for uncomplicated flu

  • Peramivir (Rapivab): given by IV infusion in hospitals for severe flu cases or patients unable to take oral medications

Medications to Loosen Chest Congestion

  • Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin Chest Congestion): thins and loosens mucus in your chest, making it easier to cough up; works best when you drink plenty of fluids

  • Prescription cough medications and inhalers when needed: If your cough is severe, keeping you awake at night, or making it difficult to breathe comfortably, your doctor may prescribe stronger prescription cough suppressants or respiratory inhalers. These medications provide more powerful relief than over-the-counter options and help you rest and recover more effectively

  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections that develop during or after your illness: It’s important to understand that antibiotics don’t treat viruses—they only work against bacteria. However, sometimes bacterial infections can develop as complications of colds or flu, such as sinus infections, ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, or strep throat. Your Ogaei provider will carefully assess your symptoms to determine if a bacterial infection is present and prescribe antibiotics only when medically necessary

  •  
  • Pain and fever relief: Start with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever, ease body aches, and relieve headache pain—follow package directions for proper dosing and timing

  • Nasal and sinus relief: Use decongestants to clear nasal passages and antihistamines to reduce runny nose and sneezing—choose options that match your symptom profile (drowsy vs. non-drowsy formulas available)

  • Cough management: Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan work to reduce dry, irritating coughs, while expectorants like guaifenesin help thin mucus so you can cough it up more easily—choose based on whether your cough is dry or productive

  • Throat and comfort care: Soothe throat irritation with throat lozenges, use saline nasal sprays for gentle congestion relief, and run a humidifier to add moisture to the air—these simple measures provide significant comfort during recovery

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day—water, warm tea, broth, or electrolyte drinks help replace fluids lost through fever and keep your throat moist. Staying hydrated supports your immune system and speeds recovery
  • Prioritize rest and gentle recovery: Give your body what it needs to heal by limiting strenuous activities. Rest, adequate sleep, and minimal physical exertion allow your immune system to focus entirely on fighting the infection
  • Create a healing environment: Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air, which reduces throat irritation and nasal congestion. Combine this with saline nasal rinses for gentle, natural congestion relief without medication
  • Isolate to protect others: While you have a fever, stay home and limit close contact with others to prevent spreading your illness. Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently, coughing into your elbow, and wear a mask if you must be around vulnerable people
  • Watch for warning signs: Monitor your symptoms carefully and contact your Ogaei provider immediately if symptoms worsen, persist longer than expected, or new concerning symptoms develop—such as severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, persistent high fever, or confusion

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 Ogaei 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.

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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 I see a doctor online for the flu Canada?

Yes, absolutely. Ogaei’s licensed Ontario physicians can diagnose and treat flu entirely through virtual visits. During your appointment, your doctor will review your symptoms, assess your respiratory status through video examination, and may recommend at-home flu testing. If you have confirmed or suspected influenza, your doctor can prescribe antiviral medications (like Tamiflu) when appropriate—prescription is most effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. The entire process happens from your home, and if you’re an Ontario resident, the visit is fully covered by OHIP.

Yes, virtual flu consultations through Ogaei are fully covered by OHIP with no out-of-pocket costs for Ontario residents—provided you have an Ontario health card. This applies to both first-time and follow-up consultations for flu and cold symptoms. You pay nothing at the time of your visit or afterward. OHIP covers the full consultation fee, just as it would for an in-person doctor’s visit. This is a significant benefit that makes professional flu care truly accessible to all Ontarians without financial barriers.

Ogaei’s average wait time is 2-4 hours from booking to consultation—significantly faster than most walk-in clinics, which average 45 minutes to 2+ hours just sitting in waiting rooms. During peak flu season, wait times may occasionally extend slightly longer, but urgent cases are prioritized. Most patients can book an appointment on the same day they call, and because the visit is virtual, you don’t need to travel or expose yourself to other sick people in a clinic. Speed matters for flu treatment—antiviral medications are most effective when started early, and Ogaei helps you access care quickly enough to maximize treatment benefits.

The distinction is important for both you and your treatment plan. Common colds are typically milder, develop gradually over 2-3 days, cause mainly nasal symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, mild cough), and resolve within 7-10 days without serious complications. Influenza (flu) hits suddenly with high fever, severe body aches, extreme fatigue, dry cough, and can last 1-2 weeks or longer with potential complications like pneumonia.

The key treatment difference: Antiviral medications can help flu if started early but don’t treat colds. For colds, treatment focuses on symptom management and rest. An Ogaei provider can distinguish between them and recommend appropriate treatment. If you’re unsure which you have, that’s exactly what a virtual consultation is for—professional evaluation ensures you get the right care for your specific illness.

Yes. After your virtual consultation, if your doctor prescribes medication (antiviral drugs for flu, pain relievers, cough suppressants, or antibiotics if needed), the prescription is sent electronically directly to your pharmacy of choice. You can pick up your prescription the same day or next morning, depending on pharmacy hours. No paper prescriptions, no delays—your pharmacy receives it digitally, and you’re ready to fill it immediately. This integration with Canadian pharmacies means you can start your treatment without additional steps or delays.

For confirmed or suspected influenza, Ogaei physicians can prescribe neuraminidase inhibitor antivirals, with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) being the most commonly prescribed option in Canada. Taken orally twice daily for 5 days, Tamiflu works by preventing flu viruses from spreading within your respiratory tract. When started within 48 hours of symptom onset, it can reduce illness duration by approximately one day and decrease symptom severity. Alternative antivirals include zanamivir (Relenza), an inhaled powder, or baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), a convenient single-dose option. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate medication based on your specific situation, medical history, and symptom timeline. These medications work best when started early, which is why rapid medical consultation matters.

Contact your Ogaei provider immediately if symptoms worsen, don’t improve as expected, or if new concerning symptoms appear. Seek emergency care (call 911 or go to the ER) if you experience: severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion or altered thinking, extreme dehydration, fever above 40°C unresponsive to medication, bluish lips or fingers, or rapid worsening of symptoms. Ogaei makes follow-up care easy—you can reconnect with a doctor for reassessment without returning to a clinic. This continuity of care ensures your recovery is monitored and complications are caught early. Most flu cases resolve without serious complications, but professional oversight prevents the small percentage that could become serious from being missed.

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