Cold & Flu: See a Doctor Online Today
Yes, a telehealth doctor can help with cold and flu. Most respiratory infections are safely assessed by talking through your symptoms — an AHPRA-registered GP at MyGPOnline can advise on managing your illness, issue a same-day medical certificate ($19) so you can rest instead of soldiering on, and prescribe medication where clinically appropriate ($39 eScript). Standard consultations are $45, 7 days a week.
What the doctor will ask
Expect questions about how long you’ve been unwell, fever, cough, sore throat, breathing, and whether you’re otherwise healthy or have conditions that make respiratory infections riskier (asthma, pregnancy, immune suppression, older age). Most colds and flu are viral — antibiotics don’t help viruses, and a good telehealth GP will tell you that honestly rather than prescribing for the sake of it. Where a bacterial complication is suspected, the doctor can prescribe appropriately or recommend in-person review.
When to seek in-person or urgent care instead
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or blue lips — call 000
- A very unwell infant, or fever in a baby under 3 months — urgent in-person care
- Symptoms getting worse after a week, or fever that won’t settle — the GP may recommend an examination at a Family Doctor clinic near you
Common questions
Can I get a medical certificate for a cold?
Yes — if the doctor assesses you as unfit for work, a certificate is emailed the same day. Typically 1–2 days for a straightforward cold or flu.
Will I automatically get antibiotics?
No — most colds and flu are viral. Prescriptions are issued only when the doctor’s assessment supports them; that’s what makes the service trustworthy.
Can I book for my sick child?
Yes — a parent or guardian books and stays present during the consultation. If you need time off to care for them, ask about a carer’s leave certificate.
MyGPOnline is part of Family Doctor, Australia’s largest 100% GP-owned medical group. Not for emergencies — call 000. Reviewed by the Family Doctor clinical team. Last updated 18 July 2026.
