According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people in the U.S. get sick from the flu each year. It also causes tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of fatalities.1

The flu is a serious illness that people shouldn’t try to ignore or “power through” on their own without proper medical care.

The good news is you’re taking all the right precautions so you don’t get sick:

  • Flu shot
  • Healthy diet
  • 7 to 8 hours of sleep
  • Use of hand sanitizer
  • Thorough hand washing using warm, soapy water (20 sec. or more)
  • Disinfected counters, desks and doorknobs

But now you’ve got symptoms and you’re not sure if it’s the cold or the flu:

Cold symptoms
Congestion
Cough
Fatigue
Fever (in kids)
Sneezing
Sore throat
Stuffy, runny nose

Flu symptoms
Cough
Diarrhea
Headache
Fever (100 degrees and up)
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Vomiting
Weakness/fatigue

Time to get better!

  • Call Teladoc to speak with a doctor 24/7
  • Our doctors can determine whether you have a cold or the flu
  • Pick up any medications or prescriptions your Teladoc doctor prescribed*
  • Return to work or school after doctor has given you the OK
  • Get plenty of rest (more than 8 hours might be needed)
  • Stay hydrated (Our doctors can recommend fluid type and amount)
  • Relax and don’t stress (Good for your immune system and recovery time)

Important flu facts from the CDC

  • Flu can cause complications: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, and diabetes or heart disease2
  • Doctors may prescribe antiviral prescription medications if you have the flu3
  • People at higher risk for serious flu complications include those 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease4

Don’t delay calling Teladoc — we’re ready to help you feel better anytime, anywhere.

Download the PDF

1. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm
2. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
3. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm
4. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

*Prescriptions provided when medically necessary. See our prescription policy.

This portion of the Teladoc website occasionally offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is provided solely for educational purposes only. You cannot rely on any information provided here as a substitute for or replacement of professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Teladoc cannot assure that the information contained on this site always includes the most recent findings or developments with respect to the particular subject matter covered.

If you ever have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.

If you are in the United States and think you are having a medical or health emergency, call your health care professional, or 911, immediately.