Cold treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions
Skip the waiting room! Instantly connect with Canadian doctors for medical care from your phone, tablet or computer - any time, 24/7.
What is a cold?
A cold is an infection in your upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and lungs that can leave you sneezing, coughing, and feeling generally run-down. It’s most common in children, but adults can still expect at least one cold per year.
Colds are the most frequently occurring illness around the world, and are the leading cause for doctor visits and missed days at work and school.
Colds are caused by over 200 different viruses, the most common being rhinovirus. Since there are so many viruses that cause colds, and because new ones are always developing, the body doesn’t develop resistance, which is why this condition is so common.
Viruses are primarily caught through your mouth, eyes, or nose. They can spread through the air when others who have the cold sneeze or cough without covering their mouth, or via hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Symptoms of a cold include:
- Congestion
- Cough
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Slight body aches/pain
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Fever
To prevent getting a cold:
- Disinfect surfaces and items you touch often
- Use tissues when your sneeze, cough, or blow your nose
- Reduce contact with others who have the cold
- Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer when you don’t have immediate access to soap or water
Are there any cold treatments?
There are no direct antibiotics or anitvirals to treat colds, but there are ways you can relieve your discomfort:
- Drinking plenty of clear fluids
- Keeping your room warm
- Resting
- Taking pain relievers for fever, sore throat,and headache
- Using decongestants or nasal sprays to relieve congestion
Antibiotics can become necessary if you develop a secondary bacterial infection in the lungs, throat, ears, and eyes, which colds sometimes lead to.
Meet our doctors
Our physicians are Canadian licensed and practice family or emergency medicine right here in Canada.
Dr. Kate McLachlin
Family Physician, Toronto
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Dr. Michael Verbora
Family Physician, Toronto
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Dr. Bharat Bahl
ER Physician, Toronto
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Dr. Lana Grigoriou
ER Physician, Toronto
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Dr. Marni Brooks
Family Physician, Toronto
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Dr. Tanja Vlahovich
ER Physician, Toronto
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Dr. Tristan Snider
ER Physician, Toronto
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Dr. Donald Ginsberg
Family Physician, Montreal
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Dr. William Cherniak
ER Physician, Toronto
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Dr. Shafik Dharamshi
ER Physician, Toronto
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What is Maple?
With Maple, you can start consulting with a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare app for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.
You simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video.
Our doctors can assess symptoms, and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.
You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.
Can a doctor treat a cold on Maple?
In most cases, doctors can come to a diagnosis for your cold online by asking about your symptoms.
If the doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotics to help you treat that as well.
Doctors can also write sick notes for the cold in the case you need to be excused from work, school, or other situations.
Can I get a prescription on Maple?
Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or we’ll deliver it right to your door at no additional cost.
You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.
Saves a lot of time compared to sitting in a doctor's office!
Legitimate and just as described, with fabulous doctors. Totally fills the late-night worry gap!
Not having to endure a long wait at a walk in clinic is fabulous. Especially since I have twin pre-schoolers to contend with.
The service is so quick and professional and saves hours spent in a walk-in-clinic. This is a game changer for busy moms and I recommend it to everyone!
Instead of my husband having to drag both kids to the hospital or walk in alone he was able to see a doctor right away and get a prescription faxed to our local pharmacy.
Our family has used this service twice so far and it has been amazing. Both doctors were friendly, compassionate and you never feel rushed.
Was concerned I wouldn’t be able to see a doctor without an appointment. I installed the Maple app, spoke to a doctor and had my prescription in under 30 min.
I used Maple for the first time today. It was quick and easy, took less than ten minutes including connecting time and the doctor was professional and friendly.
LOVE This service. Not only do you have a doctor within seconds but they are professional and knowledgable.
Absolutely blown away. It was SO easy to use. No wait time getting connected with a doctor. Getting the prescription faxed to the pharmacy made it a seamless process.
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Maple revolves around your needs and schedule. Start enjoying on demand healthcare that fits your life.