Join 745,000+ members and counting
Diagnosis
Urgent evaluation is crucial to identify your condition early and prevent complications
Medication
Prescription treatments are tailored to your specific condition, ensuring effective relief
Prescription
Licensed providers can send prescriptions to your local pharmacy within an hour, day or night
Lab Testing
Accurate testing, if needed, can confirm your diagnosis and guide the best course of treatment

How It Works
Feeling better starts now!
Understanding the Flu
The flu (short for influenza) is a viral respiratory illness that can range from mild to severe – and can even be life-threatening in certain cases. The flu spreads through respiratory droplets produced by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Annual vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its complications.
Rest, hydration, and other self-care strategies can help the body fight off the infection. A healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms, and recommend over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and overall discomfort.
Skip the waiting room and start treatment now.

Medications Prescribed for the Flu
Your doctor is online and ready to see you
Talk to a DoctorOur Patients Are Our Top Priority
See why real patients choose LifeMD.
Common Questions About the Flu
How does the flu spread?
The flu is spread primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or be inhaled into the lungs. It’s also possible to contract the flu by touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
How long does the flu last?
The duration of the flu can vary, but most people recover within one to two weeks. However, some individuals – especially young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions – may be at a higher risk of developing complications, which can prolong the recovery period and even be life-threatening.
How can I prevent the flu?
The best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. Other preventive measures include practicing good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, and disinfecting surfaces in your home that are frequently touched.
What’s the difference between the flu and a cold?
Although both the flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses. Flu symptoms are typically more severe and come on more suddenly than cold symptoms. The flu often includes fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue, while a cold usually presents with a runny or stuffy nose and a milder cough.
When is flu season?
Flu season can vary in length and severity from year to year. In general, flu season in the Northern Hemisphere occurs between fall and winter, with peak activity typically occurring between December and February. However, the exact timing and duration of flu season can vary depending on a number of factors – such as the predominant strain of the virus and vaccination rates.
Flu season may be relatively mild or short-lived in some years, while in other years it can be more severe and prolonged. It's important to get vaccinated each year and take other preventative measures to reduce your risk of getting the flu, regardless of the length of the season.
Is it possible to get the flu when it’s not flu season?
Yes, it's possible to get the flu outside of flu season. Flu viruses can circulate year-round, and flu season can occur at different times in different parts of the world. Getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene is important for protecting yourself from the flu at any time of the year.
Can someone die from the flu?
Although most healthy individuals recover from the flu without complications, it’s possible for the flu to lead to serious and life-threatening complications, particularly for those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children.
It's important to take preventative measures such as getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of getting the flu and experiencing complications. If you do develop symptoms of the flu, be sure to seek medical attention if you have severe symptoms or if your symptoms worsen or persist for an extended period of time.