Primary & Urgent Care
Cold, Flu & Respiratory Symptoms — Online Care, Same Day
Sore throat, sinus pressure, cough, congestion, or flu symptoms? A licensed provider can evaluate what you are dealing with, recommend the right treatment, and send a prescription to your pharmacy if needed. No waiting room required.
Start a VisitAbout these conditions
🤧 Cold, flu, and respiratory illness — what you need to know
Most respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses. That includes the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, most cases of sinusitis, most cases of bronchitis, and the majority of sore throats. These conditions share a lot of symptoms, which is why it can be hard to tell them apart without talking to a provider. The distinction often matters because the right treatment depends on what you are actually dealing with.
Antibiotics do not work on viruses. They treat bacterial infections. One of the most important things a licensed provider does in evaluating your respiratory symptoms is helping determine whether your illness is viral, in which case symptom management is the right approach, or bacterial, in which case antibiotics may be appropriate. Prescribing antibiotics when they are not needed does not speed recovery and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Many mild-to-moderate respiratory illnesses can be safely evaluated through telehealth. Your provider reviews your symptom timeline, severity, and pattern to identify what kind of illness you have, screen for red flags that need in-person care, and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
What we treat in this category
Upper respiratory infections (URI), influenza (flu), COVID-19, acute sinusitis, bronchitis, persistent cough, sore throat and pharyngitis. All evaluated by a licensed provider who helps determine whether your illness is viral, bacterial, or requires in-person care.
How these illnesses are different:
- 🤧 Upper respiratory infection (URI)The classic "common cold." Viral. Affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. Runny nose, congestion, mild sore throat, sneezing, mild cough. Typically resolves in 7–10 days. No antibiotic needed.
- 🤒 Influenza (flu)Viral. Hits fast and hard: fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, and respiratory symptoms. Often more severe than a cold. Antiviral medications are available and most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- 🦠 COVID-19Viral. Symptoms overlap significantly with flu and URI: fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, congestion, and loss of taste or smell. A provider can discuss testing and treatment options including antivirals for eligible patients, which are most effective early in illness.
- 😤 SinusitisInflammation of the sinuses, most often triggered by a viral URI. Facial pressure, nasal congestion, thick discharge, sinus headache. Most cases are viral and self-limiting. Bacterial sinusitis is uncommon (less than 2% of cases) and has a distinct pattern that your provider screens for.
- 🫁 BronchitisInflammation of the airways (bronchi), most commonly viral. Persistent cough, often with mucus, along with chest tightness and fatigue. Acute bronchitis almost always resolves without antibiotics. Wheezing or significant shortness of breath warrants in-person evaluation.
- 😮💨 CoughA symptom, not a diagnosis. Can accompany virtually any respiratory illness, or persist after the illness resolves (post-infectious cough). A provider helps identify the underlying cause and whether treatment beyond supportive care is appropriate.
- 😖 Sore throat / pharyngitisMost sore throats are viral and resolve on their own. Strep throat (Group A Streptococcus) is the most common bacterial cause and does require antibiotic treatment. Your provider screens for strep patterns and, where appropriate, can recommend testing or treat based on clinical criteria.
Signs you may need treatment
🔥 Recognizing your symptoms
Respiratory illnesses share many symptoms. This table shows which symptoms are most associated with each condition and what your provider is looking for when they evaluate you.
| Condition | Key symptoms | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|
| URI / Common Cold | Runny nose, congestion, mild sore throat, sneezing, mild cough, low or no fever | Gradual onset, symptoms peak days 3–5, resolves in 7–10 days |
| Influenza | Sudden high fever, severe body aches, fatigue, headache, dry cough, chills | Abrupt onset, systemic illness, "hit by a truck" feeling |
| COVID-19 | Fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, congestion, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath | Loss of taste/smell is distinctive; wide symptom variability |
| Sinusitis | Facial pressure or pain, nasal congestion, thick or discolored discharge, reduced sense of smell, sinus headache | Facial pain/pressure localized to sinuses; symptoms lasting beyond 10 days or "double worsening" may suggest bacterial cause |
| Bronchitis | Persistent cough (with or without mucus), chest tightness or soreness, mild fatigue, low or no fever | Cough can persist 2–3 weeks; chest symptoms without significant shortness of breath |
| Sore Throat / Pharyngitis | Throat pain, pain with swallowing, red or swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in the neck | Absence of cough, sudden onset, fever, and tonsillar exudate raise concern for strep |
⚠️ Skip telehealth — go in person if you have:
High fever (above 102°F), significant difficulty breathing or shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, blue or gray lips, coughing or vomiting blood, confusion or altered mental status, swelling around the eyes or vision changes, stiff neck with fever, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. These require immediate in-person or emergency evaluation. For children: high fever in infants under 3 months, difficulty breathing, severe lethargy, or symptoms that are worsening rapidly always warrant in-person care.
Not sure what you have? Describe your symptoms to a licensed provider today and get clarity. Same day.
Start a VisitHow online care can help
💻 Respiratory illness online — what works and what does not
Many mild-to-moderate respiratory illnesses can be safely evaluated through telehealth. Your symptom history (when it started, how it has progressed, what it feels like, what makes it better or worse) gives a licensed provider the information they need to determine what you have, whether you need medication, and which medication is appropriate. Some symptoms do require in-person care, and your provider will tell you clearly if that applies to you.
What telehealth is especially good at with respiratory illness is distinguishing viral from bacterial. That distinction changes the entire treatment approach, and getting it right matters both for your recovery and for responsible antibiotic stewardship.
| What online respiratory care can do | What it cannot replace |
|---|---|
| Evaluate your full symptom picture, timeline, and history | Rapid strep test (when clinical picture is uncertain) |
| Distinguish viral from bacterial illness patterns | Chest X-ray for suspected pneumonia or significant lung findings |
| Screen for red flags that need in-person or emergency care | Oxygen saturation monitoring for significant breathing difficulty |
| Prescribe antivirals for flu or COVID-19 (most effective early) | In-person assessment of children under 4 with respiratory illness |
| Prescribe antibiotics when bacterial infection is likely | Care for immunocompromised patients or those with complex histories |
| Recommend appropriate OTC symptomatic relief |
- ⏰ When you feel sick, you want answers fast. Same-day appointments. You describe your symptoms today and hear from a provider today.
- 🏪 Your prescription goes to your local pharmacy. Your neighborhood pharmacy fills it. No mail-order required.
- 💰 No monthly subscription. We charge a flat fee per visit. No required memberships to access our telehealth services.
- 🩺 A real clinical evaluation. A licensed provider reviews your intake, meets with you, and makes an individualized determination. Your health journey is unique to you, and your visit should reflect that.
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Treatment options
💊 How respiratory illness is treated
Treatment depends entirely on what you have. Your provider makes this determination based on your symptom pattern, timeline, and clinical picture. The most important starting point: most respiratory illness is viral, and viral illness is not treated with antibiotics.
- 🤧 URI / Common cold — supportive careNo specific treatment. Rest, hydration, saline nasal rinse, and over-the-counter symptom relief (pain relievers, decongestants where appropriate) are the approach. Symptoms typically resolve in 7–10 days. Antibiotics are not appropriate and are not prescribed for viral URIs.
- 🤒 Influenza — antivirals if caught earlyAntiviral medications are available for flu and are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. They can shorten illness duration and reduce severity, which is particularly important for high-risk patients. Your provider will assess whether antivirals are appropriate for your situation.
- 🦠 COVID-19 — antivirals and supportive careOral antiviral treatments are available for eligible patients at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness and are most effective when started within 5 days of symptom onset. Your provider will assess your symptoms, risk factors, and eligibility before prescribing. Supportive care including rest, hydration, and fever management is important for all cases.
- 😤 Sinusitis — supportive care first, antibiotics only when indicatedMost sinus infections are viral and resolve without antibiotics, typically within 7–10 days. Symptomatic treatment includes saline nasal irrigation, nasal steroid sprays, and OTC pain relievers. Antibiotics are considered when symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement, are severe, or follow a "double worsening" pattern (initial improvement followed by returning symptoms). Even then, the great majority of sinus infections will still resolve on their own.
- 🫁 Bronchitis — supportive careAcute bronchitis is almost always viral. Antibiotics are not recommended. The cough can persist for 2 to 3 weeks even as the illness resolves; this is normal and not a sign that antibiotics are needed. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and honey (for adults) can help soothe the cough. If you have wheezing or significant shortness of breath, your provider will assess whether inhaler therapy is appropriate.
- 😮💨 Cough — treat the causeCough is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Post-infectious cough after a cold or URI is common and resolves on its own. Cough associated with bronchitis, sinusitis drainage, or asthma is managed differently. Your provider identifies what is driving the cough and recommends the appropriate approach.
- 😖 Sore throat / pharyngitis — viral or strep?The key question with a sore throat is whether it is viral (the majority) or strep throat (Group A Streptococcus), which is bacterial and does require antibiotic treatment. Your provider uses clinical criteria including fever, absence of cough, swollen lymph nodes, and tonsillar findings to assess strep likelihood. When strep is suspected, your provider will typically recommend a rapid strep test before prescribing antibiotics.
Why your provider may not prescribe antibiotics
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. The majority of respiratory illnesses, including most colds, most sore throats, almost all cases of bronchitis, and most cases of sinusitis, are viral. Prescribing antibiotics when they are not needed does not help you recover faster, can cause side effects including diarrhea and yeast infections, and contributes to antibiotic resistance. When your provider does not prescribe an antibiotic, that is a clinical decision based on your specific presentation. It is not an oversight.
Not sure what you have or what you need? A licensed provider can figure that out with you today.
Start a VisitWhat to expect
🗓️ Your visit, start to finish
Here is what happens from the moment you start your visit to when you know what you are dealing with.
|
1
Describe your symptoms
Fill out a short intake covering your symptoms, when they started, how they have changed, medications you take, allergies, and any relevant history. About 5 minutes. |
2
Meet with your provider
You actually speak with a board-certified provider who reviews your intake, asks follow-up questions, evaluates your symptom pattern, screens for red flags, and makes a clinical determination. This is a real clinical conversation, not a form review. |
3
Get a treatment plan
Your provider explains what they think you have and the recommended approach. If medication is appropriate, your prescription goes to your pharmacy same day. If not, they tell you exactly what to do and what to watch for. |
4
Follow up if needed
If symptoms are not improving as expected, or worsen after improving, follow up with your provider. Sinusitis not improving after 10 days, flu symptoms worsening after day 5, or a sore throat not improving after antibiotic treatment all warrant a follow-up visit. |
When will I start feeling better?
URI and cold: 7–10 days. Flu: 5–7 days, sooner with early antivirals. Sinusitis (viral): 7–10 days; (bacterial with antibiotics): improvement in 3–5 days. Bronchitis: the cough can linger 2–3 weeks even as the illness resolves. Strep throat with antibiotics: usually significant improvement within 24–48 hours. If you are not improving along expected timelines, follow up.
Supporting your treatment
🏠 What to do while you recover
Whether or not you are prescribed medication, these steps support recovery from any respiratory illness and help prevent spreading it to others.
- →Rest. Your immune system does its best work when you are not pushing through the day. Rest is not optional. It is treatment.
- →Stay well hydrated. Water, broth, and warm liquids help thin mucus, soothe the throat, and support immune function.
- →Use saline nasal rinse or spray. Particularly effective for sinusitis and nasal congestion. Helps clear mucus and reduce inflammation.
- →Use a humidifier. Moist air soothes irritated airways and can help with cough and congestion overnight.
- →Take OTC pain relievers and fever reducers as needed. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, sore throat pain, sinus headache, or body aches.
- →Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. If you are considering stopping early, contact your provider first. They can advise whether it is appropriate based on your progress.
- →Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with others while symptomatic. Respiratory illness spreads through droplets and contact.
- →Stay home from work or school while you have a fever or are actively symptomatic. Most respiratory viruses are most contagious in the first few days of illness.
What about supplements and remedies? Zinc, vitamin C, elderberry, echinacea, and most "immune support" products have limited or inconsistent clinical evidence for preventing or shortening respiratory illness. If you find them helpful, that is fine. But they are not a substitute for rest, hydration, and appropriate medical care when needed.
⚠️ Contact your provider or seek in-person care if:
- Fever rises above 102°F or does not improve after 3 days
- Symptoms worsen significantly after initially improving ("double worsening")
- Sinus symptoms persist beyond 10 days without any improvement
- Shortness of breath at rest or worsening breathing difficulty. Seek emergency care immediately.
- Swelling around the eyes, vision changes, or severe persistent headache
- Sore throat not improving after 2 days on antibiotics, or recurring within weeks of completing treatment
Care connected to your pharmacy
🏪 Your prescription. Your pharmacy. Same day.
Pharmacies are the front door of healthcare in most communities. We built MyPhysician360 to respect that. When treatment is appropriate, your prescription goes to the pharmacy you already trust, filled by the pharmacist who already knows you.
- ✓Prescription sent electronically to your pharmacy same day your visit ends
- ✓Pick up at your neighborhood pharmacy or any major chain
- ✓Home delivery available by request at many local pharmacies
- ✓No required memberships to access our telehealth services
- ✓If we cannot treat you online, you will not be charged
Frequently asked questions
❓ Questions about respiratory illness online
Straight answers to what patients ask most.
Do I need antibiotics for my sinus infection?
Probably not. Most sinus infections are viral and resolve on their own within 7–10 days. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, and less than 2% of acute sinus infections are bacterial. Your provider evaluates your specific symptom pattern, including duration, severity, and whether you have had a "double worsening" pattern, to determine if antibiotics are appropriate. If symptoms have lasted more than 10 days without any improvement, that is a signal your provider takes seriously.
How do I know if I have the flu or just a cold?
The biggest difference is onset and severity. A cold comes on gradually with mainly nasal symptoms. Flu hits fast and hard: sudden fever, severe body aches, significant fatigue, and headache. If you feel like you "got hit by a truck" and it came on in a matter of hours, that points strongly toward flu. This distinction matters because antiviral medications for flu are most effective within the first 48 hours of symptoms, so timing is important.
Can I get antiviral treatment for flu or COVID-19 through telehealth?
Yes. Antiviral medications for both flu and COVID-19 can be evaluated and prescribed through a telehealth visit. For flu, antivirals are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. For COVID-19, oral antivirals are available for eligible patients at higher risk of severe illness and are most effective when started within 5 days of symptom onset. If you think you have either, do not wait to be seen. Your provider will assess your symptoms, risk factors, and eligibility.
My doctor always prescribes antibiotics for my sinus infection. Why might your provider not?
Current clinical guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology recommend against prescribing antibiotics for most sinus infections, because the vast majority are viral. Studies show antibiotics provide minimal benefit for most acute sinusitis cases and carry real risks including diarrhea, allergic reactions, and antibiotic resistance. If your symptoms meet specific criteria (lasting more than 10 days without improvement, severe, or following a worsening-then-improving-then-worsening pattern) antibiotics are appropriate and your provider will prescribe them.
Do I need a strep test before getting treatment for a sore throat?
Not always. Your provider uses clinical criteria, including the presence or absence of fever, cough, swollen lymph nodes, and tonsillar findings, to assess how likely strep is. When strep is suspected, your provider will typically recommend a rapid strep test before prescribing antibiotics, to avoid treating a viral sore throat unnecessarily. For children, a throat culture is often recommended to confirm a negative rapid test result.
My cough has lasted three weeks — do I need antibiotics?
A persistent cough after a respiratory illness is common and does not usually mean you need antibiotics. Post-infectious cough (cough that lingers after the underlying illness has resolved) can last 3 to 8 weeks and is typically caused by residual airway inflammation, not active infection. If you have no other symptoms, no fever, and the cough is slowly improving, this is the most likely explanation. However, if the cough is worsening, you have shortness of breath, or you have other concerning symptoms, your provider will want to evaluate further.
Can telehealth treat my child's respiratory illness?
Our sinusitis protocol covers patients 4 years and older. For other respiratory illnesses in children, eligibility depends on the child's age, symptoms, and whether in-person examination is needed. Children under 4, infants with fever, or any child with breathing difficulty should be seen in person. Your provider will let you know during the intake if in-person care is the right call.
What is the "double worsening" pattern with sinusitis?
Double worsening, also called a biphasic pattern, is when you start to feel better after a cold or URI, then your sinus symptoms come back and get worse. This pattern is considered a clinical signal for possible bacterial sinusitis, because viral illness typically follows a single trajectory of improvement. If this describes your experience, that is important information to share with your provider.
Is this visit HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. MyPhysician360 consultations are HSA and FSA eligible. Your visit cost is reimbursable through your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, making this accessible through your existing health benefits even without insurance.
Helpful resources
📚 Learn more
Your provider may reference educational materials during your visit. These links go straight to the source.
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🔬 Clinical guidelines Strep Throat — Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment CDC — Group A Strep View CDC guidance |
🏥 Patient education Influenza (Flu) — Overview, Symptoms, and Prevention CDC Visit CDC Flu Hub |
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📖 Patient overview Sinus infection overview, symptoms, and treatment Mayo Clinic Visit Mayo Clinic |
📊 COVID-19 treatment COVID-19 treatment options and guidance CDC Visit CDC |
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Answer a few questions, meet with a licensed provider same day, and get a personalized treatment plan. No required membership. Available in most states. Your prescription, if appropriate, goes straight to your pharmacy.
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Medical disclaimer & sources: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illness requires clinical evaluation by a licensed provider. Not all conditions are appropriate for telehealth management. Patients with high fever, significant breathing difficulty, altered mental status, or other red flag symptoms should seek in-person or emergency care immediately. Sinusitis content is informed by the MyPhysician360 Acute Sinusitis Clinical Protocol and the IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis in Adults and Children. Influenza and COVID-19 guidance reflects current CDC recommendations. Antibiotic appropriateness is determined by a licensed provider on a case-by-case basis based on individual clinical presentation. MyPhysician360 services are available in most states. Services are not currently available in Mississippi or Alaska.