Can Hola Health online doctors help with cold or the flu?

Yes. Hola Health’s Ahpra-registered doctors can assess cold and flu symptoms by video, from the comfort of your home.  

During your consultation, an Australian registered online doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and advise on the most appropriate treatment. Depending on their clinical assessment, they may recommend further tests or issue a script online, medical certificate, or referral.  

Note: Telehealth is not suitable for medical emergencies. If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or a persistent high fever, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. Babies under 3 months with a temperature above 38°C should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. 

What cold and flu symptoms can be assessed via telehealth? 

An online doctor for cold or flu symptoms can generally assess:  

• A runny or blocked nose 

• Body aches and chills 

• Fatigue 

• Sore throat 

• Mild to moderate fever 

• Cough 

Most colds and mild flu cases can be safely managed with rest, fluids, and symptom relief treatments. Telehealth may not be suitable if symptoms are severe, worsening, unusual, or if the doctor needs to examine you in-person. The doctor will inform you if your symptoms need an in-person review.  

Can a Hola online doctor refer me to a specialist or provide test referrals for flu or a cold? 

Yes, if clinically appropriate. If your symptoms are ongoing, unusual, or require further investigation, your doctor may arrange pathology referrals, such as a respiratory swab, or recommend in-person review with a GP, or specialist referral service, depending on your symptoms. If clinically appropriate, a referral, prescription, or eScript is provided following the doctor’s clinical assessment and will be securely delivered to your phone or email. Hola Health handles your health information in compliance with Australian privacy laws.  

Can a Hola Health telehealth doctor help me with the flu for my child? 

Hola Health’s online doctors can assess children with mild cold or flu symptoms via telehealth, making it easier for parents to access medical advice for a child’s fever. Fever in a child may still need urgent in-person care depending on the child’s age, temperature, breathing, hydration, alertness, and other symptoms. 
 

Before your appointment, it helps to have:  

• A recent temperature reading 

• Details of your child’s breathing, such as wheezing, grunting, or difficulty breathing 

• Information about your child’s food and fluid intake, and how often they’re urinating 

• A description of your child’s energy levels and alertness 

Note: According to Healthdirect, babies under 3 months old with fever above 38°C should be taken straight to the nearest hospital emergency department, rather than assessed by telehealth. Children with a high or persistent fever, breathing difficulty, or who seem unusually drowsy should also be seen in person.  

When should I seek in-person care? 

Telehealth is a helpful option for mild symptoms. However, some signs need urgent, in-person care. Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately if you or your child experience: 

• Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath 

• Chest pain 

• Confusion or severe drowsiness 

• Blue lips, tongue, or skin 

• A persistently high fever that doesn’t improve despite home care 

• A rash that doesn’t fade 

• Signs of dehydration, such as passing much less urine than usual 

Bulk billing and fees 

Hola Health offers bulk billing* for eligible Medicare cardholders during after-hours urgent care consults. Availability of bulk billing depends on your circumstances and Medicare eligibility, MBS telehealth rules, and clinical suitability, so check your specific fee at the time of booking.