How an Online Doctor Can Help With Flu
Assessment, care options and when to seek help.
Assessment
Discuss when symptoms began, their severity and health factors that increase risk. The physician may consider influenza, COVID-19 or another respiratory infection.
Care Options
Antiviral medicines may be considered, especially for higher-risk or more severe illness. They work best when started early; antibiotics do not treat influenza itself.
When to Act
Seek prompt advice if you are pregnant, have reduced immunity or significant chronic illness. Call 911 for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain with serious illness, confusion or collapse.
Discuss Flu With a Physician
Walk In connects eligible patients in its service areas with BC-licensed physicians for phone or video appointments. The physicians provide the medical care.
MSP-covered visits are free for eligible patients.
Understanding Flu
Influenza is a respiratory viral infection that can start abruptly with aches, fatigue and cough. It differs from the intestinal illness often called stomach flu. Some people are at greater risk of complications.
Care and Treatment
Rest, fluids and suitable pain or fever relief can help. A physician will decide whether antiviral treatment or further assessment is needed. Do not wait several days to ask about treatment if you are at higher risk.
Your Appointment in Three Steps
Step 1 Book Your Visit
Choose a service and review the eligible location and care requirements before selecting an available appointment.
Step 2 Speak With a Doctor
Connect by phone or video. Your doctor may need video or an in-person assessment to understand your concern.
Step 3 Plan Your Next Steps
Your doctor will discuss a care plan. Prescriptions, notes, tests and referrals depend on the assessment and clinical need.
Before Your Appointment
What to Have Ready
- The exact day symptoms started
- Pregnancy, chronic illness or immune-system concerns
- Current medicines, recent tests and vaccination history
Learn about the physicians on Walk In and their backgrounds before your appointment.
Questions About Flu
Who Should Ask About Antiviral Treatment for Flu?
Antivirals may be considered for people at higher risk of complications or with more serious illness. Relevant factors include pregnancy, older age, some chronic conditions and a weakened immune system. They work best when started promptly, so contact a clinician early if you may be in a higher-risk group.
A physician reviews the likely diagnosis, when symptoms began and your health history. Treatment may still be considered later in some circumstances; do not assume there is no value in seeking advice because symptoms started more than a day or two ago.
How Can I Tell Flu From a Cold or COVID-19?
Flu often starts abruptly with fever, aches, fatigue and cough, whereas a cold may be dominated by nasal and throat symptoms. However, respiratory infections overlap, and symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish flu from COVID-19 or every other infection.
A physician can assess whether testing would change treatment or advice, particularly if you are at higher risk. Mention your symptom timeline, exposures and any tests already taken. Breathing problems or significant deterioration need assessment regardless of the name of the virus.
What If I Start to Improve and Then Feel Worse Again?
A new fever, worsening cough, shortness of breath or chest pain after initial improvement can signal a complication or another illness. It is worth being reassessed rather than assuming this is simply the usual recovery pattern. People with asthma, COPD or other chronic conditions may also experience a flare.
A physician can decide whether you need an examination or testing. Severe breathing difficulty, confusion or other signs of serious illness require urgent care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Who Can Book, and What Does It Cost?
Booking is available to eligible patients in Walk In’s service areas. MSP-covered physician visits are free for eligible patients. Check the booking portal for current eligibility and appointment availability. See pricing for private visits and other services.
Health Information Sources
This page provides general information. Your physician will assess your individual symptoms and medical history.
Speak With a Doctor About Flu
Connect with a physician through Walk In. Check your eligibility and choose an available appointment.