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Telehealth care is available in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, and New York. You must be in your selected state during the visit.
For general educational purposes only, not a substitute for specific medical advice. Consult with a licensed provider before implementing any adjustments to your treatment regimen.
When the flu hits, getting to a clinic can feel like the last thing you want to do. Telehealth can help you find out whether a prescription flu antiviral such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) makes sense for you, and how quickly you should start it.
What Flu Antivirals Do
Prescription antivirals work against the influenza virus itself. They can shorten the illness and may lower the risk of complications, especially for people at higher risk. Oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu and as a generic, is the most commonly used. Other options include a single-dose oral medication and an inhaled medication. Antibiotics do not treat the flu, because the flu is caused by a virus.
Why Timing Matters
Flu antivirals work best when started within about 48 hours of when symptoms begin. If you think you have the flu, it helps to reach out early instead of waiting to see if it passes. For people at higher risk of complications, a clinician may still recommend treatment after 48 hours.
Flu often starts suddenly, with fever or chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue. Not everyone with the flu has a fever.
Who Is at Higher Risk
Treatment is especially important to discuss if you or the person who is sick:
- Is 65 or older, or is a young child
- Is pregnant or recently gave birth
- Has asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or another chronic condition
- Has a weakened immune system
- Has a body mass index of 40 or higher
- Lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility
If you live with someone at high risk, a clinician may also talk with you about whether medication to help prevent the flu makes sense for them after an exposure.
How a Telehealth Flu Visit Works
During a video visit, the clinician asks when symptoms started, how severe they are, your risk factors, your medications and whether anyone at home is sick. A flu test is not always required before treatment. During flu season, the diagnosis is often based on symptoms and timing. If you have taken a home test for flu or COVID-19, share the result.
If an antiviral is appropriate, the prescription is sent to your pharmacy. Pharmacy stock and insurance processing can affect how quickly it is ready, so it can help to call ahead.
Side Effects and What to Expect
Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects of oseltamivir. Taking it with food may help. Finish the course as prescribed unless your clinician tells you otherwise. Rest, fluids and fever reducers can help you feel better while you recover. Check with your clinician or pharmacist before combining over-the-counter cold medicines, since many contain the same ingredients.
When the Flu Needs In-Person Care
Call 911 or go to an emergency department for trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, a seizure, severe weakness, persistent dizziness, not urinating or bluish lips. Also get prompt care if symptoms improve and then return with a worse fever or cough, or if a chronic condition is getting worse.
The Short Answer
Yes, many people can be evaluated for the flu and prescribed an antiviral such as Tamiflu through a telehealth visit when it is appropriate. The sooner you reach out after symptoms start, the more likely an antiviral is to help.
Learn more on our online urgent and sick care page.
Get Support
Wade’s Care First provides telehealth care in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada and New York, with same-day appointments when available. Visits are with Charles Wade, FNP-BC, a board-certified family nurse practitioner.
We accept many major insurance plans, including Original Medicare (Indiana only), Medicaid (Indiana and Illinois only), UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana and Cigna. Plan participation varies by state, and self-pay visits are available.
If flu symptoms started in the last day or two, reaching out now gives you the most treatment options.
Book at wadescarefirst.com.
Answers connected to this topic.
Do I need a test for flu or COVID-19 before an urgent visit?
Not always. We review symptom timing, risk factors and any available home results to determine whether testing or time-sensitive treatment is appropriate.
What if I have fever but do not know the cause?
We assess the pattern, associated symptoms and risk factors. Testing or an in-person examination may be necessary, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Can you reassess an illness if my symptoms worsen after a video visit?
Yes, but rapidly worsening or severe symptoms should be evaluated promptly in person rather than waiting for a routine follow-up.
Further reading: medlineplus.gov · medlineplus.gov (oseltamivir).
