What this page is for
Many cold and sinus requests can be handled online when the illness still sounds low acuity and there are no warning signs for pneumonia, severe flu, or another problem needing in-person evaluation.
Cold and sinus guide
Cold, flu, and sinus treatment online in Virginia and West Virginia
This guide is for common upper-respiratory and sinus symptoms, not for chest pain, breathing trouble, confusion, or severe dehydration.
Quick fit
- Adults physically in Virginia and West Virginia at the time of request
- No office visit or video chat required when the request fits online care
- Secure portal follow-up after physician review
- Posted response windows during Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM ET
Common symptoms
- Congestion or sinus pressure
- Runny nose or sore throat
- Body aches, cough, or mild fever
- Symptoms that still feel centered in the head, nose, and throat
May fit online care
- No chest pain or breathing difficulty
- Still able to keep fluids down
- No confusion or oxygen concerns
- Looking for physician guidance on supportive care or sinus-treatment fit
Look for another care setting
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Confusion, fainting, or severe weakness
- Trouble keeping fluids down or signs of dehydration
- Rapidly worsening symptoms or a fever that stays very high
What to have ready
- Which symptoms are driving the request most
- Any home testing or known exposures
- Any antibiotics already taken for this illness
- Medication allergies and current medications
What happens next
Start the request on the website, answer the fit questions, and choose the response window you want. If the concern still fits this service, a physician reviews it and sends a secure update after sign-in.
Can sinus symptoms be treated online?
Sometimes, yes. The request has to stay in a low-acuity lane without chest symptoms, major dehydration, or signs of a more serious infection.
When should cold or flu symptoms be seen in person?
Breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, inability to stay hydrated, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated in person rather than through a low-acuity online visit.