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Cold, Flu & COVID-19 Treatment Online

Cold, flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms. A NewDoc GP can assess your symptoms by video, check antiviral eligibility for higher-risk patients (best started within 48 hours for flu, 5 days for COVID-19), and provide a medical certificate.

Can a telehealth GP treat cold, flu, or COVID-19 online?

Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can assess cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms by video, advise on home care, prescribe antivirals where clinically appropriate, arrange a respiratory swab if needed, and issue a same-day medical certificate for work, school, or carer's leave. PBS-subsidised COVID-19 antivirals must start within 5 days of symptom onset per the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, and influenza antivirals (oseltamivir, zanamivir) are most effective when started within 48 hours.

The consultation, eScript, certificate, and pathology referral are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders. Seek in-person care or call 000 for shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent high fever, blue lips, or confusion, and book early if you are pregnant, aged 65+, or have a chronic condition.

What are colds, flu, and COVID-19?

Colds, influenza (flu), and COVID-19 are viral respiratory infections that affect millions of Australians every year. They share many symptoms but differ in severity, contagiousness, and the treatment options available. Healthdirect Australia notes that most adults experience 2 to 4 colds per year, while the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care reports 100,000 to 300,000 laboratory-confirmed influenza notifications each season (true infection numbers are several times higher because most cases are not tested). COVID-19 is now endemic and circulates year-round.

Most colds resolve within 7 to 10 days with rest and fluids. Flu and COVID-19 may take longer and can occasionally lead to complications such as pneumonia, particularly in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. A telehealth GP can help you work out which infection you most likely have and what treatment, if any, is appropriate.

Cold vs flu vs COVID-19: how to tell the difference

Colds, flu, and COVID-19 can overlap significantly in presentation, which is why a swab is often the only reliable way to distinguish them. As a general guide:

  • Common cold — gradual onset, mild symptoms, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, generally no high fever. Most people remain able to carry out daily activities.
  • Influenza — sudden onset, often within hours. High fever, prominent body aches, severe fatigue, headache, dry cough. Tends to keep people in bed for several days.
  • COVID-19 — variable presentation. Fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, and (less commonly with newer variants) loss of taste or smell. Some people remain asymptomatic; others experience severe illness, particularly if unvaccinated or immunocompromised.

A rapid antigen test (RAT) at home or a respiratory PCR via pathology referral can help confirm the diagnosis when it changes management — for example, if antivirals are being considered, or if you are at higher risk of complications.

When to see a GP, and when to go straight to an ED

Book a GP (in person or via bulk billed telehealth) early if you are at higher risk of complications, because antivirals for both influenza and COVID-19 work best when started in the first few days of illness. You should also speak to a GP if your symptoms are worsening after the first few days, your fever is not settling with paracetamol or ibuprofen, or your symptoms have lasted longer than 10 days.

Attend an emergency department, or call 000, if you have any of the following red-flag features, which may indicate pneumonia, sepsis, or another serious complication and are not appropriate for telehealth management alone:

  • Shortness of breath, fast breathing, or feeling like you cannot get enough air
  • Chest pain or chest tightness
  • Blue or grey lips, face, or fingertips
  • Confusion, drowsiness, or being difficult to rouse
  • Persistent high fever (above 39 °C) that does not respond to paracetamol
  • Inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration
  • Coughing up blood
  • In children: persistent vomiting, very lethargic, fewer wet nappies, or noisy breathing

If your symptoms are typical and you are otherwise well, telehealth is usually the fastest way to be assessed and start any treatment. Your GP will tell you if at any point you need to be seen in person.

How a telehealth GP can help with cold, flu, and COVID-19

Cold, flu, and COVID-19 are well suited to telehealth because diagnosis is mainly based on the pattern of symptoms and the timing of onset rather than a physical examination. Seeing a GP from home also reduces the risk of passing the infection on to others in a waiting room.

During the consult, your GP can:

  • Assess your symptoms, vaccination status, and risk factors and decide whether antiviral treatment is indicated
  • Send an eScript for an antiviral, symptomatic medication, or a paediatric / pregnancy-safe option
  • Arrange a respiratory swab for influenza or COVID-19 PCR if testing will change management
  • Issue a medical certificate for work, school, or carer's leave (covering the period from when your symptoms started, where clinically appropriate)
  • Refer you for a chest X-ray if pneumonia is suspected, or to a respiratory specialist for persistent post-viral symptoms

For eligible Medicare cardholders, the consultation and all of the above are bulk billed with no out-of-pocket cost. Any prescribed medication may be subsidised under the PBS at your pharmacy.

Treatment options for cold, flu, and COVID-19

Most colds settle on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter symptomatic relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches, decongestants for blocked nose, lozenges or warm fluids for sore throat). Your GP can advise on what is suitable for you, including in pregnancy or for young children where some over-the-counter products are not recommended.

Influenza and COVID-19 each have dedicated antiviral treatment options that benefit from early prescribing — see the dedicated sections below for the specific drugs, PBS criteria, and timing windows that apply.

Influenza antivirals: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir)

Australia has two main influenza antivirals approved for treatment:

  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) — an oral capsule, usually 75 mg twice daily for 5 days for adults, dosed by weight for children. Suitable in pregnancy and for children from one year of age (and used off-label in younger children where the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk).
  • Zanamivir (Relenza) — an inhaled powder, usually 10 mg (two inhalations) twice daily for 5 days. Generally reserved for patients who cannot tolerate oseltamivir or where resistance is a concern; not recommended for people with asthma or COPD due to the risk of bronchospasm.

Per the Immunisation Coalition antiviral guide, both antivirals are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset and shorten illness by about a day in otherwise-healthy adults — the bigger benefit is in reducing the risk of severe complications (pneumonia, hospitalisation) in higher-risk groups, where early treatment is strongly recommended. Your telehealth GP can review your symptoms, timeline, risk factors, and any individual considerations (renal impairment, asthma, weight-based dosing for children) and prescribe the appropriate agent within minutes if antivirals are indicated. Oseltamivir is suitable in pregnancy.

COVID-19 antivirals: Paxlovid and Lagevrio

Two oral COVID-19 antivirals are subsidised on the PBS for eligible patients:

  • Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) — typically the first-line oral antiviral, given for 5 days. The dose is adjusted in renal impairment. It has many significant drug interactions (statins, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, antiarrhythmics, certain anticonvulsants), so your GP will review your current medications carefully before prescribing.
  • Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) — used when Paxlovid is contraindicated (e.g. severe renal impairment, problematic drug interactions). Given for 5 days. Should not be used in pregnancy.

Eligibility for PBS-subsidised treatment generally includes adults aged 70 and over, adults aged 50+ with risk factors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from age 30, and immunocompromised adults of any age — full current criteria are set by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care and can change. Treatment must start within 5 days of symptom onset and requires a positive RAT or PCR. Your telehealth GP will check current eligibility, confirm a test result, screen for drug interactions, and send the eScript if indicated.

Other treatment considerations

Antibiotics are not effective against viral respiratory infections. They are considered only when a secondary bacterial infection (for example, bacterial sinusitis, otitis media, or chest infection) is clinically suspected. Inappropriate antibiotic use is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance, and current Australian guidelines recommend against routine antibiotic prescribing for uncomplicated viral illness.

Higher-risk groups

Some groups are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia, hospitalisation, or death from cold, flu, or COVID-19 and should book a GP consultation early if symptoms develop:

  • Adults aged 65 and over, and children under 5 (especially under 2)
  • Pregnant women and the first 6 weeks postpartum
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • People with chronic conditions, including asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or neurological conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised due to medication or illness
  • Residents of aged care or disability facilities

For these groups, antiviral treatment for influenza or COVID-19 is more likely to be recommended, and starting treatment early matters. A bulk billed telehealth GP can usually see you the same day.

Returning to work, school, or travel

Australian general practice guidance is to stay home until you are fever-free without medication for 24 hours, your symptoms are improving, and you can comfortably perform your duties. People who work in healthcare, aged care, childcare, food handling, or other high-risk settings may need to wait longer. A NewDoc telehealth GP can issue a medical certificate covering the time off needed (including the period from when your symptoms started, where clinically appropriate). If you are unable to fly because of illness, your GP can also issue a fit-to-fly or unfit-to-fly certificate for travel insurance or airline rebooking.

Preventing colds, flu, and COVID-19

It is not possible to avoid colds, flu, or COVID-19 entirely, but several measures reduce risk. Hand hygiene with soap and water, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, staying home when unwell, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick all help limit spread.

Annual flu vaccination is recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) for all Australians aged 6 months and over, ideally before peak season (April to October). The vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children aged 6 months to under 5 years, and people with chronic medical conditions.

COVID-19 booster vaccination is recommended for adults at higher risk of severe illness, in line with current ATAGI advice. Your GP can advise on eligibility and timing for both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, and arrange them with a local provider.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 15 May 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Can a telehealth GP help with cold and flu?

Yes. A telehealth GP can assess cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms by video or phone, advise on home care, prescribe antivirals where clinically appropriate, issue medical certificates, and arrange pathology referrals if a swab or blood test is needed. Most viral upper respiratory infections are well suited to telehealth assessment because diagnosis is largely based on the pattern of symptoms rather than a physical examination.

Can I get a medical certificate for cold or flu via telehealth?

Yes. Your GP can issue a medical certificate during a telehealth consultation if they determine you are unfit for work or study due to cold or flu symptoms. The certificate is sent to you electronically within minutes and can be forwarded to your employer or education provider.

Can a telehealth GP prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza for the flu?

Yes, where clinically appropriate. The two main influenza antivirals in Australia are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) — an oral capsule typically given for 5 days — and zanamivir (Relenza) — an inhaled powder. Both are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Antivirals are particularly recommended for higher-risk patients (adults aged 65+, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children under 5, and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, or diabetes) and may be considered for otherwise-healthy adults early in the illness. The eScript is sent to your phone within minutes of the consultation ending.

Can a telehealth GP prescribe Paxlovid or Lagevrio for COVID-19?

Yes, where clinically appropriate. The two oral COVID-19 antivirals on the Australian PBS are nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio). Both must be started within 5 days of symptom onset and require a confirmed positive RAT or PCR result. PBS subsidy applies to eligible patients — typically adults aged 70 and over, or aged 50+ with risk factors, with similar criteria for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from age 30, and immunocompromised adults of any age. Paxlovid has significant drug interactions, so your GP will review your current medication list carefully before prescribing. Lagevrio is generally used when Paxlovid is contraindicated.

Do I need a swab to confirm flu or COVID-19?

Not always. For a typical mild-to-moderate viral illness, treatment is usually based on the clinical picture alone. A rapid antigen test (RAT) at home or a pathology referral for a respiratory PCR may be useful when antivirals are being considered, when you are at higher risk of complications, or when your symptoms could change clinical management. Your GP will advise whether a test is needed.

When should I see a doctor about cold or flu symptoms?

Book a GP if your symptoms are severe, worsening after the first few days, lasting longer than 10 days, or if you have high fever that does not respond to over-the-counter medication. You should also speak to a GP early if you are pregnant, over 65, immunocompromised, or have a chronic condition such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart disease, because antivirals work best when started early. Call 000 or attend an emergency department for difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent confusion, blue lips, or inability to keep fluids down.

Can a telehealth GP prescribe antibiotics for cold and flu?

Antibiotics do not treat cold, flu, or COVID-19, because these are viral infections. A GP may consider antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection develops (for example, bacterial sinusitis, otitis media, or chest infection) and the clinical picture supports it. Inappropriate antibiotic use is one of the main drivers of antibiotic resistance in Australia, and current guidelines recommend against routine antibiotic prescribing for uncomplicated viral illness.

How long am I contagious with a cold, flu, or COVID-19?

Most people with a cold are contagious from about a day before symptoms begin until their symptoms resolve, which is typically 7 to 10 days. Influenza is generally contagious from one day before symptoms appear until about a week after becoming unwell. COVID-19 contagiousness varies but most adults are most infectious in the first 5 to 7 days. Your GP can advise on when it is safe to return to work, school, or other activities based on your symptoms.

When can I return to work after cold or flu?

Australian general practice guidance is to stay home until you are fever-free without medication for 24 hours, your symptoms are improving, and you can comfortably perform your duties. People who work in high-risk settings (healthcare, aged care, childcare, food handling) may need to wait longer, and your GP can issue a medical certificate covering the time off needed. Where clinically appropriate, the certificate can cover the period from when your symptoms started.

Can a telehealth GP help during pregnancy or for my child?

Yes. NewDoc telehealth GPs can assess cold, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms in pregnant women and children, advise on safe symptom management, and prescribe pregnancy-safe or paediatric medication where appropriate. Some symptoms in young children, infants, or in late pregnancy are best assessed in person — your GP will tell you if that is needed.

Should I get a flu vaccine?

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all Australians aged six months and older. The flu vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children aged 6 months to under 5 years, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. Your GP can advise on eligibility and timing, ideally before peak flu season (April to October in Australia).

How much does a cold and flu telehealth consultation cost?

For eligible Medicare cardholders, NewDoc telehealth consultations are bulk billed with no out-of-pocket cost. Any eScript, medical certificate, or pathology referral issued during the consultation is included at no extra charge. Antiviral medications themselves may be PBS-subsidised, particularly for higher-risk patients.

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