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Conditions
Cold&Flu
Common viral infections affecting the respiratory system, causing symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue.
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From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofCold&Flu
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Runny or blocked nose
Sore throat
Cough (dry or productive)
Headache
Body aches and muscle pain
Fatigue and tiredness
Mild fever
Sneezing
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for time off work or study
- Advice on symptom management
- Assessment of whether you need further care
- Guidance on when to return to work
What needs in-person care
- Antiviral medications (these need to be started within 48 hours and require specific assessment)
- Antibiotics (colds and flu are viral, antibiotics don't help)
- Treatment if you're experiencing emergency symptoms
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
- 2High fever (over 39°C) lasting more than 3 days
- 3Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen
- 4You have underlying health conditions
- 5You need a medical certificate for work or study
Seek emergency care if
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or altered consciousness
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Symptoms in infants under 3 months
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonCold&Flu
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Most cold and flu cases are straightforward viral infections that resolve on their own within 7-10 days. What we look for during an assessment is whether your symptoms suggest something that needs more attention - a secondary bacterial infection like sinusitis or pneumonia, or an underlying condition that makes you more vulnerable. The key distinction between a cold and influenza matters clinically: true influenza tends to hit suddenly with high fever, severe body aches, and profound fatigue, while colds build gradually and stay mostly above the neck. If your symptoms improved and then suddenly worsened - especially with a new fever or worsening cough - that's a pattern that warrants reassessment, as it can indicate a secondary infection.
Treatment
TreatingCold&Flu
Colds and flu are viral illnesses -- antibiotics are ineffective and not indicated. Treatment is symptomatic: analgesia for fever and body aches, decongestants for nasal congestion, and rest. Influenza antivirals (oseltamivir) are available on PBS for high-risk patients when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all Australians over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those with chronic medical conditions.
Paracetamol
Panadol, Panamax
Class:Analgesic / antipyretic
Typical dose:500-1000mg every 4-6 hours as needed, maximum 4g per day
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- First-line for fever and body aches in cold and flu
- Safe in pregnancy and most comorbidities
- Do not exceed 4g per day total across all products containing paracetamol
- Available in combination cold and flu products -- check for paracetamol content to avoid double-dosing
Ibuprofen
Nurofen, Advil
Class:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
Typical dose:200-400mg every 4-6 hours with food, maximum 1200mg per day OTC
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- Effective for fever, body aches, and sore throat
- Take with food to reduce stomach irritation
- Avoid in renal impairment, active peptic ulcer, or third trimester of pregnancy
- Can be alternated with paracetamol for better fever control
Oseltamivir
Tamiflu
Class:Antiviral (neuraminidase inhibitor)
Typical dose:75mg twice daily for 5 days, started within 48 hours of symptom onset
PBS:PBS listed for influenza in high-risk patients: over 65, pregnant, immunocompromised, or chronic disease
- Only effective for influenza (not colds or COVID-19)
- Must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset to be effective
- Reduces illness duration by approximately 1 day and reduces hospitalisation risk in high-risk patients
- Requires prescription and high-risk criteria for PBS subsidy; telehealth assessment appropriate if criteria met
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Respiratory, 2024; ATAGI influenza vaccination guidelines. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Seek in-person assessment if symptoms suggest influenza with high-risk features (over 65, pregnant, immunocompromised) within 48 hours of onset for antiviral consideration. Refer to respiratory physician for recurrent respiratory infections, suspected asthma triggered by viral illness, or symptoms persisting beyond 3 weeks.
Cold & Flu in Australia
Influenza causes an estimated 3,500 hospitalisations in Australia each year (AIHW)
The average Australian adult catches 2-4 colds per year
Flu season in Australia typically runs from May to September, peaking in August
Only about 30% of Australians get the recommended annual flu vaccine
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Common cold: 7-10 days. Influenza: 1-2 weeks, with fatigue sometimes lingering for 2-3 weeks. Most people feel significantly better by day 5-7.
Return to work
You can typically return to work once you've been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are manageable. For flu, this is usually 5-7 days from symptom onset. You remain contagious for about a week, so good hygiene matters even after you feel better.
When to reassess
If symptoms haven't improved after 10 days, or if you develop new symptoms (ear pain, facial pressure, worsening cough with coloured phlegm) after initially improving, see a doctor - you may have developed a secondary bacterial infection.
Self-Care
ManagingCold&Fluathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and body aches (follow packet directions)
Stay hydrated - water, herbal tea, clear broth. Aim for pale urine
Saline nasal spray can relieve congestion without medication side effects
Honey in warm water soothes sore throats (not for children under 1)
Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce sinus pressure
Avoid alcohol and caffeine - both can worsen dehydration
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutCold&Flu
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. If you're unwell with cold or flu symptoms and need time off work or study, our doctors can assess your situation and may provide a routine certificate if appropriate.
Generally, you should stay home until you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. Most people are contagious for 5-7 days after symptoms start.
No. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only work against bacteria. Taking antibiotics for viral infections doesn't help and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or symptoms that suddenly worsen after improving, seek in-person medical care immediately.
Ready to get help with Cold & Flu?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.