Cold and flu symptoms? Get online help today
Consult a doctor about cold or flu symptoms and start treatment quickly. Book a full consultation or a fast express session with a licensed GP.
Same-day appointments available
Qualified doctors and GPs specialising in cold and flu care
Personalised treatment plan and prescriptions if medically appropriate
How to book an online consultation for cold and flu symptoms
Get professional advice and treatment quickly — whether you need fast symptom relief or a full evaluation.
1
Choose an express consultation with a licensed GP for mild symptoms or book a full consultation with a doctor through the Oladoctor marketplace.2
Fill out a short form describing your cold or flu symptoms — such as cough, fever, sore throat, or congestion.3
Attend your online appointment at the scheduled time. Receive personalised treatment advice, prescriptions, or further care recommendations if needed.Note: If you experience severe symptoms — such as shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or very high fever — seek emergency medical care immediately. Online consultations are not suitable for urgent or life-threatening conditions.
Choose a doctorDoctors available for cold and flu consultations
Choose a GP or physician experienced in diagnosing and treating cold and flu symptoms. Fast online booking and professional care.
See all doctors
Understanding cold and flu: symptoms, treatment, and when to seek help
Learn how to differentiate between a cold and flu, manage symptoms effectively at home, and recognise signs that require medical attention.
Cold and flu: what’s the difference?
Colds and flu are both viral respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Colds tend to develop gradually with symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and mild fatigue. Flu symptoms, however, appear suddenly and are usually more severe — including high fever, body aches, chills, and profound weakness.
Recognising the difference early helps you choose the right care path. While colds are often self-limiting and mild, flu can sometimes lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable groups like older adults or people with chronic conditions.
Both colds and flu are more common during the colder months, typically from late autumn to early spring. Flu season usually peaks between December and February, while colds can circulate year-round but are also more frequent during the same period. Understanding these seasonal patterns helps in early identification and prevention.
Understanding these distinctions is key to managing expectations and knowing when to monitor symptoms more closely.
Common symptoms of cold and flu
Typical cold symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, and slight tiredness. Fever is rare with a cold. Symptoms usually peak within 2–3 days and resolve on their own within a week.
Flu symptoms are more intense. High fever, dry cough, severe muscle aches, chills, sweating, and profound fatigue are common. Some patients also experience headaches, sore eyes, and gastrointestinal upset. Recovery from the flu may take up to two weeks or longer in some cases.
Tracking the onset and severity of symptoms helps in distinguishing between the two illnesses and determining whether medical advice is needed.
Home treatment and symptom management
Most cases of cold and flu can be managed at home with supportive care. Rest is crucial to allow the body to fight the infection. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, use saline nasal sprays for congestion, and consider over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage fever and body aches.
For sore throat relief, warm salt water gargles, lozenges, and humidifiers may help. Maintaining good nutrition supports immune function during recovery.
However, if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, especially in cases of high fever or breathing difficulties, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
When to seek medical attention
Seek medical advice if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, persistent high fever, or dehydration symptoms. These could indicate complications such as pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections, which require prompt medical treatment.
High-risk groups, including young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, should be particularly vigilant.
Early medical intervention helps prevent complications and ensures faster recovery when symptoms move beyond the mild or moderate range.
Preventing cold and flu
Good hygiene practices are essential for preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Seasonal flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe flu infection. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle — including adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress management — strengthens the immune system and helps the body resist infections.
Taking preventive steps not only protects you but also helps safeguard those around you, especially vulnerable populations.
Patients love
5.0
I had a problem with my skin and anxiety. I scheduled an appointment for the same day. I got a great consultation, I got all the recommendations I needed and all the help and even more.
Thank you!
Anton Razvodov
ES
5.0
I put my order for prescription renovation in Portugal late in the evening on Saturday and got my new prescription in 30 minutes! Can you imagine that? That's incredible, thank you!
Anton Liasov
PT
5.0
Fast, smart. I used this service for a few months and I got high quality and full digitalization of the process. Thank you.
Daryna
ES
5.0
Todo ha sido genial! Me han ayudado muchísimo con mi problema y estoy súper contenta. Rápidos, amables, eficientes! Si o si volveré a usar el servicio de Oladoctor!
Customer
ES
5.0
I ordered a medical certificate. The process was fast and smooth, through the personal account on a website, in my native language (Ukrainian). I will definitely return in the future if I'll have a need for medical services.
Daria
PT
5.0
I downloaded the Oladoctor Ap. Made the over the phone appointment with a very helpful doctor and received my prescription by email which I took to my nearest pharmacy here in Benidorm.
Robert Bridges
ES
5.0
This is the best medical platform that I've ever used. I booked emergency appointment in 1 hour. Thanks to doctor Andrei Popov, I got much better in 24 hours. After all treatment (7days) I feel fully healthy.
Valeriia Polishchuk
ES
5.0
This is a very fast and convenient service. At some moments it is simply irreplaceable.
Vitaly Katichev
ES
5.0
The consultation went well, I got answers to my questions as well as videos with exercises. That was enough to solve my problem. I recommend the platform!
Yevhenii Polishchuk
ES
5.0
Excellent service, saving my time, getting prompt response and needed prescription.
customer
CY
5.0
I was looking for where I could translate a prescription from Ukrainian to Spanish, and based on a suggestion from ChatGPT, I found that everything is very easy. You can register through your Google account, add your info...
Daryna Shcotka
ES
Your guide to healthcare in Europe
Discover the best practices, resources, and insights for healthcare professionals in Europe.
FAQ
Common questions about booking cold and flu consultations through Oladoctor.
How can I book an online consultation for cold or flu symptoms?
What is the difference between an express consultation and a full consultation?
Can I get a prescription for cold or flu symptoms after the consultation?
How quickly can I get an appointment for cold or flu symptoms?
What if my symptoms are severe or getting worse?
