Telemedicine has transformed how people can receive medical care instantly, anytime and anywhere. Instead of dragging yourself to a clinic, you can now connect with a licensed doctor via video consultation from the comfort of home. With such convenience, it has become a crucial option for patients with contagious illnesses, like flu. Online consultation for flu offers easy check up with a licensed doctor. You just need a stable internet connection and device for communication.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden fever, persistent cough, or just want to confirm if it’s really the flu, telehealth services offer a convenient alternative to traditional clinic visits. Find out how you can schedule an online consultation for flu in the Philippines. Let’s begin!
Why Choose Online Consultation for Flu Management
Many people suffering from flu symptoms commonly mistake them with cold symptoms. While both conditions have the same symptoms, it is still important to recognize which is which. With doctor consultation, you can get diagnosed properly, helping you to manage your condition better.
Here’s where online consultation shines.
- Immediate access to medical care means you don’t have to wait days for an appointment or spend hours at an urgent care facility. Most online platforms connect you with a healthcare provider within minutes to hours, getting you the medical advice in minutes.
- Reduced exposure to other illnesses is especially important when you’ve a weakened immune system. Clinics and hospitals are full of sick patients, and some people may be contagious. By staying home, you can protect yourself from other health threats that can worsen your flu symptoms. At the same time, you can protect other people by not exposing the flu virus to others in crowded waiting rooms.
- Overall convenience is a blessing that telehealth platforms can provide. Aside from immediate booking, patients can reach different types of doctors that specialize in general medicine. These people involve primary care physicians, general medicine practitioners, internal medicine doctors, etc., who can provide diagnosis for flu. Meanwhile, some specialty doctors can also offer their guidance for specialized cases, like pulmonology doctors due to developing pneumonia from flu symptoms.
- Electronic medical documents are sent by the doctors that you can easily view and download to your device. These documents are valid, and acknowledged for healthcare use. You can receive an e-prescription for prescribed medications, a test request document from doctors to undergo certain laboratory tests, valid doctor’s note or medical certificate, etc.
Read this related blog to know more about the Online Consultation of NowServing
Limitations to Consider
Despite the perks of using online telemedicine for flu doctor consultation, there’s still a clear lining where you should consider a physical doctor visit for physical medical attention. Let’s discuss these factors that may warrant a personal visit to a hospital.
- Severe symptoms present such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing are not mild symptoms of flu. These symptoms can signify an underlying health condition, and a visit to a doctor can help you get diagnosed correctly.
- Chronic conditions can exacerbate like heart disease and lung disease due to unmanaged flu symptoms. Most adult patients suffer greatly when they have this case. So, it’s more ideal to visit a doctor than using online consultation for a health check-up.
- Emergency cases should not be dealt with using online consultation platforms. There are cases wherein young children or older adults with flu suffer from life and death situations. When that occurs, visiting a doctor immediately is the most logical option.
What Happens During an Online Consultation for Flu
Whether you’re at the early stages of flu, or suffering from prolonged symptoms of flu, choosing telemedicine for doctor consultation can be your option. Here’s what you can expect if you choose a safe and convenient way of consulting a doctor.
Before Your Video Consultation
Preparations before an online doctor consultation is the same as preparing for a doctor visit in a hospital. The only difference is, you’ll need to fix all the technicalities involved, such as stable internet connection and the device you’ll use. Such preparations are essential to help communicate with the doctor clearly.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to use your HMO for your consultation, it is ideal to prepare that documentation ahead of time. Online consultation platforms commonly require patients to submit an approved LOA to use their HMO. Just make sure that the booked doctor is an accredited healthcare professional of your HMO.
Note: Use of HMO is only applicable for scheduled bookings, not immediate online consultation bookings.
Learn how to use your HMO for a doctor consultation
When it’s time for your consultation, you’ll receive an SMS or a notification reminding you about your upcoming session. You can use the remaining time to do the mentioned preparations to ensure online consultation success.
During Your Virtual Doctor Consultation
During your online consultation for flu, the first thing that your doctor will ask is your health concern, or the reason for booking your session. You can start by informing your doctor about your flu symptoms (e.g., high fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, etc.). Also include the first aid flu care at home you did to manage your flu symptoms, and how long you’ve been taking them since you got sick.
Your doctor will possibly ask more related questions to diagnose you properly. When it comes to flu diagnosis, your doctor won’t need additional tests to provide a diagnosis. So, expect your online consultation to finish immediately. Despite that, try to ask your doctor if you have any concerns. Afterwards, your doctor will provide you with an e-prescription and medical certificate.
Find out how to get a medical certificate online
How to Book Your Online Consultation for Flu Using NowServing
Scheduling an online consultation to address your flu is a straightforward process. So, whether or not you’re a first time user, you can book a reliable health expert immediately.
There are different options you can use to book a telemedicine doctor consultation using NowServing
Option A: Using the NowServing Website
- Access the cold & flu conditions page link on the NowServing website.
- Browse the list of doctors for cold & flu in the Philippines.
- Choose your preferred doctor by tapping the “Book Appointment” button.
- Select “online consultation” to let the doctor know.
- Continue the booking process by providing the important details, such as reasons for booking, your details, etc.
- Finish the booking process and wait for the doctor to confirm your booking.
Option B: Using the NowServing App
- Download the NowServing app to your device via Google Play Store or Apple Store
- Set-up your account if you’re a new user.
- Press the “Book a Consultation” button at the homepage
- Hover to the Diagnosed Conditions part and swipe left until you see “colds & flu”
- Browse the list of doctors and select one to start booking.
- Press the “Book Consultation” button and select the “Online Consultation” option
- Continue until you finish the booking process
Option C: Access the NowServing Online Consultation Service Page
- Access the online consultation page on the NowServing website.
- Select the “Get A Virtual Consultation Today” button or scroll down to view more specified options (e.g., doctor, conditions, services, etc.).
- Choose your doctor and follow the booking process.
- Await for the call as this booking option allows you to talk with a doctor immediately.
Read this related blog to book an online specialist doctor
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Consultation for Flu
Can I consult online anytime of the day for the flu?
Most online consultation platforms offer 24/7 telehealth services to patients. NowServing is one of the leading platforms for telemedicine in the Philippines that offer medical care anytime of the day. You can book an immediate online consultation with primary care physicians, internal medicine doctors, and general practitioners. These healthcare providers can address different health concerns, including cold and flu symptoms.
Can I get antiviral medication through online consultation?
Yes, one of the commonly prescribed medications to manage flu is antiviral medications. Antivirals work best when started within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms, so early consultation is important. After providing a medical diagnosis, your doctor will provide an e-prescription containing the flu symptoms treatment plan. Make sure to follow the doctor’s note to ensure recovery.
You can order and book a delivery of your medications via the NS pharmacy. You can access NS pharmacy using the NowServing app.
How much is the online consultation fee for flu on NowServing?
All doctor consultation fees on NowServing start at PHP 500.00. Some doctors may ask for a separate payment for the medical certificate, which starts at PHP 399.00.
Can I consult for my child’s flu symptoms online?
Absolutely. Many general practitioners and pediatricians on NowServing provide consultations for children experiencing flu symptoms. A parent or guardian should be present during the video consultation to help describe symptoms and assist with any demonstrations the doctor might request.
Conclusion
Online consultation for flu has made quality medical care more accessible than ever for Filipinos. When you’re dealing with fever, body aches, and exhaustion, connecting with a licensed doctor from your home provides the relief you need without added stress.
Remember, while online consultation works beautifully for typical flu cases, severe symptoms always warrant in-person evaluation. Listen to your healthcare provider’s recommendations and don’t hesitate to seek urgent care if your condition worsens. Book an online consultation for flu using NowServing today!
