Cough, cold, flu, and strep throat

Are you feeling under the weather with a cough, cold, flu, or sore throat?

Get treatment for cough, cold, flu, and strep throat today

$49

/chat visit
  • Self-pay visits - insurance not accepted or needed, FSA/HSA eligible
  • No appointment needed
  • Your health data is secure and protected by our practices and by law

How it works

  1. Connect with the doctor through instant messaging
  2. Pick up any prescribed medication at a pharmacy of your choice or have it delivered
  3. Your care team is available 7 days a week

What are cough, cold, flu, and strep throat?

Cough, cold, flu, and strep throat are common respiratory illnesses with varying causes and symptoms.

  • Cough: A cough is a reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus or irritants. It can be caused by various factors, including infections, allergies, and asthma.
  • Cold: The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and congestion.
  • Flu: Influenza (the flu) is a more serious viral infection that can cause fever, body aches, fatigue, cough, and sore throat.
  • Strep throat: Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, causing a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.

How are these conditions treated?

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body's natural healing process. Rest, fluids, over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, and antiviral medications for the flu (in some cases) may be recommended.

Is a chat-visit right for me?

A chat visit with Well Revolution might be right for you if:

  • You're 18-64 years old
  • You're feeling unwell with symptoms of a cold, flu, or strep throat
  • You want to get assessed and receive guidance on managing your symptoms
  • You prefer the convenience of a virtual visit over going to a clinic

If your symptoms are severe, or you have trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.

Common treatments for cough, cold, flu, and strep throat

Your Well Revolution provider will assess your symptoms and determine which (if any) treatment is medically appropriate. If prescribed medication, pick it up at a pharmacy of your choice or your nearest Well Revolution Care Location. The cost of your medication may be covered by health insurance.

Treatment may involve:

  • Over-the-counter medications for symptom relief: Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), cough suppressants (dextromethorphan), decongestants (pseudoephedrine), throat lozenges
  • Antiviral medications for the flu (if appropriate): Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza)
  • Antibiotics for strep throat: Penicillin, Amoxicillin

Other treatments may not be available through Chat-visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Cough, cold, flu, and strep throat

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The flu is usually more severe than a cold, with symptoms like fever, body aches, and fatigue, which are less common with a cold.

When should I see a doctor for a cough, cold, or flu?

If you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or your symptoms worsen or don't improve after a week, you should see a doctor.

What are the complications of untreated strep throat?

Untreated strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious condition that can damage the heart.

How can I prevent getting a cold or the flu?

You can reduce your risk by washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick people, and getting a flu shot annually.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

Strep throat is diagnosed with a rapid strep test or a throat culture.

What are some home remedies for cough, cold, and flu symptoms?

Home remedies include rest, fluids, gargling with salt water for a sore throat, and using a humidifier to relieve congestion.

About Well Revolution

What does it cost?

Most visits cost $49 between 7 am and 9 pm 7 days (Mon-Sun).

See our pricing page for more information.

How do visits work in Well Revolution?

Start a private and secure instant message with a Well Revolution doctor right here from your phone or desktop.

You can send text, voice and video messages, share images, videos and documents, and have voice and video calls all from inside the Well Revolution instant messenger.

Do I need to make an appointment?

No appointment is needed with Well Revolution. Start a private chat with a doctor at any time.

What's included with my visit?

A visit with a Well Revolution doctor. The doctor will decide on what care is appropriate for you.

Can I use my health insurance for my visit?

Well Revolution doesn't accept health insurance for visits.

You can submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement, but we can’t guarantee they’ll reimburse you for your chat visit.

If you normally use insurance to pay for your medications, you can do that with medications prescribed through all Well Revolution services. Please talk with your pharmacy directly about insurance coverage.

The cost of medication isn’t included in the cost of your visit.

How do prescriptions work?

The doctor creates and sends paperless prescriptions for you. They will send your prescription to your favourite or nearest pharmacy for the most convenient pick-up location, or you can choose home delivery.

Free Home Delivery: Prescriptions can be sent to our pharmacy partner for convenient, affordable and free home delivery. Many medications are available to you for $24 or less - with or without insurance.

Pick up: Your out-of-pocket medication costs will depend on your insurance and where you decide to get your prescription filled.