Flu (influenza) treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

In most cases, diagnosing the flu is something our doctors can do online by asking about your symptoms.

If the doctor suspects you have the flu virus, they can prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the duration of the illness.

Doctors can also write sick notes for the flu in the case you need to be excused from work, school, or other situations.

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.

The flu is a contagious viral infection that affects your upper respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs). People often confuse the flu with the common cold, but it is a distinct illness accompanied by more serious symptoms. Unlike the common cold, the flu can be deadly, and is one of the top 10 causes of death in developed nations.

It is commonly spread when people infected by the virus cough or sneeze, and it can also be transmitted by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus.

Once you’re exposed to the flu virus, it takes 1-4 days before symptoms begin to appear, so it’s often hard to pinpoint exactly where you got it from.

Symptoms include:

• Body aches and pain
• Chills
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever of 38 C (100.4 F) or higher
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat

Treatments for the flu usually include getting enough rest and fluids in your system. In some cases, you can also get flu prescriptions of antiviral medications to shorten the length and severity of the illness. Over-the-counter pain medicines can be used to reduce body aches and headaches if needed.

Flu tests are available, usually in the form of a nasal swab, but are not always needed, as doctors can diagnose a flu based on symptoms alone.

The best way to prevent catching the flu is to avoid coming in contact with the flu virus.

• Get the flu shot
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing
• Disinfect surfaces often
• Limit touching your eyes, mouth, and nose
• Wash your hands with soap and water often. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water isn’t available

Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners and specialists via secure text, audio or video call. Sign in to your Maple account to start a visit. Learn more about how Maple works here.

A visit works a lot like an in-person appointment. A doctor or nurse practitioner will ask about your symptoms, review your health history and recommend a treatment plan that's right for you. Not every visit leads to a prescription. Sometimes, you might need to see someone in person. When that happens, we'll help you figure out what comes next.

As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to care online. Connect with our network of Canadian-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes via secure text, audio or video call.

Membership is $85/month. One membership. Care for your whole family. In eligible provinces, membership includes:

• Daily visits: one visit a day with a doctor or nurse practitioner for each family member in your household
• Pediatric care: covered pediatric primary care visits, available by appointment
• Second Medical Opinion: when you're unsure about a complex diagnosis, like cancer or MS, or want to understand all your options, you and your family can access an expert Second Medical Opinion
• Personal Health Check-Ins: personalized, evidence-based proactive care screenings to help you stay on top of your health
• iCBT courses: internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-assessments and courses
• Specialists: see a specialist in days, not months. No referral necessary.
• Specialist referrals: a referral to a physician specialist for in-person care, if needed

Membership can't be combined with other offerings, such as private insurance coverage and provincial programs, where available. A Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) may cover your membership fees. Check with your HSA provider for details.

Your Maple monthly membership covers virtual care for you, your spouse and your dependents under the age of 18 who share the same primary residence. Full disclaimer and refund policy here.

We accept all major credit cards, including AMEX, plus Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Privacy is at the core of how we deliver care. We follow Canadian privacy and healthcare laws, including PIPEDA and PHIPA, to protect your personal and health information.

Our policies and consent processes are simple and easy to understand, so you stay in control. Strong security infrastructure and strict data policies protect every session. You keep control of your personal health information, medical records and test results at all times. We also work with privacy and security experts and review our policies regularly.

All doctors and nurse practitioners who deliver care through Maple are licensed in Canada and governed by their regulatory colleges. They must follow the telemedicine policies set by the medical regulator in each province.

Regulators across Canada recognize the value of virtual care. It helps improve access to care for patients and makes care delivery more efficient for practitioners and Canada's healthcare system.