
Online Influenza Treatments & Prescriptions
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.

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Available Treatments for Influenza
VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE
What to Expect From Your Online Video Consultation


How do I check if I’m eligible for a video consultation?
Video consultations are suitable for most patients who do not need a physical examination. They may not be appropriate if you require hands-on physical examination or need laboratory tests that cannot be done remotely. Video consultations are not a substitute for your regular doctor if you have a serious or life-threatening condition.
How do I complete my health profile?
Before booking, ensure your health profile is up to date. Your clinician will use this information to provide safe, personalised care. You may need to provide current medications and supplements, known allergies and adverse reactions, existing medical conditions, previous surgeries or hospitalisations, family medical history (where relevant), current symptoms or health concerns, height and weight (for BMI calculation), and blood pressure readings (where required).
How do I check my device is ready for a video consultation?
Make sure NowPatient has permission to access your camera and microphone, you have a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection, and you are using a compatible smartphone, tablet, or PC.
How do I select a service?
Log in to your NowPatient account and navigate to the relevant Service Card on your homepage. Follow the prompts for the service you need (e.g., NHS Pharmacy First, Weight Loss, Buying Treatments Online). Please remember, some services have eligibility requirements before you can book a consultation.
How do I choose a date for my appointment?
Select your preferred consultation date. You can add notes at this stage to help the clinician prepare for your session. Click Continue.
How do I choose a time for my appointment?
Select your preferred appointment time from the available slots and click Continue. Slots are available up to 7 days in advance.
How do I choose a clinician?
Browse available clinicians trained for your chosen service. You can filter by gender or spoken languages. Each clinician's full name, licence number, and specialist credentials are displayed. Select your preferred clinician and click Continue.
How do I review my booking?
Check the summary of your appointment and read the Pre-consultation Requirements for tips on how to prepare. Click Continue.
What safety information do I need to provide?
Enter your consultation address (where you will be during the call) and emergency contact details. You can also opt in to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your appointment.
How do I confirm my booking?
Click Confirm Booking. You will receive an in-app confirmation pop-up, push and in-app notifications, and a confirmation email with details of what to expect.
How do I take my blood pressure via the app?
Some services require a recent blood pressure reading before your consultation. If prompted, open the blood pressure tool in the NowPatient app, read and agree to the disclaimer, enter your age, height, and gender, and follow the on-screen instructions. The tool uses your smartphone's front-facing camera — no cuff or wearable required. Classified as a Class I Medical Device (CE and UKCA certified). Available on iOS and Android only.
How do I join my video consultation?
At your scheduled time, open the NowPatient app and join your consultation.
How does identity verification work?
Your clinician will introduce themselves and verify your identity. Please have your ID ready.
What declarations do I need to confirm?
You will be reminded that you must complete the consultation for yourself, disclose all medical conditions, illnesses, and operations, disclose all prescription medications you are currently taking, and provide accurate and honest responses throughout. Withholding or providing false information can severely harm your health.
What happens during my clinical assessment?
Your clinician will carry out an assessment relevant to your chosen service. Depending on the service, this may lead to issuance of a prescription (added to your cart), guided counselling, discussion of test results, or general health advice.
What does it mean to consent to inform my doctor?
With your consent, your clinician may inform your regular doctor of the consultation outcome. NowPatient strongly recommends agreeing to this, as your GP is responsible for your overall care.
How will I receive my post-consultation summary?
You will receive a notification summarising the outcome of your appointment, any referrals made to your doctor, and any advice given by your clinician. If a referral letter was issued, you can view it in the Documents section of your account.
How do I complete my order if treatment was prescribed?
If your clinician prescribed a treatment, go to your Cart, complete any payment exemptions (such as NHS Exemption Declaration if applicable), select Checkout, choose your delivery address and method, confirm your billing address, review your order and submit payment. Your order will be sent to NowPatient’s licensed online pharmacy for processing and dispatch.
How do I complete the feedback survey?
You may receive a short survey about your experience. NowPatient encourages all patients to complete it — your feedback helps improve the service for everyone.
How do I cancel a video consultation, and what happens if I miss my appointment?
To cancel an appointment:
Go to the Consultations section of your account.
Select Upcoming Consultations.
Choose the appointment you wish to cancel.
Click Cancel and confirm.
Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Missed appointments: After two missed appointments, your booking rights will be temporarily revoked. Contact the NowPatient support desk if you believe this was applied in error.
How do I contact NowPatient for help and support?
Contact Method | Details |
UK Phone | +44 20 388 51 500 |
US Phone | 1-866-967-1977 |
Hours (UK) | Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm GMT |
Hours (US) | Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm EST |
Support |
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
We Can Answer Your Questions Quickly


What Conditions Does the Get Treated Privately Service Treat?
NowPatient clinicians can assess and treat the following 30+ common conditions through the service
Hair loss
Weight loss
Insomnia
Menopause
Acne
Cystitis
Erectile dysfunction
Fungal nail infections
Genital herpes
Hair loss
Influenza
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Migraines
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Shingles
Thrush
Urinary retention
+ More
Who Is Eligible?
You can use the Get Treated Privately service if you:
Are aged 18 or over
Have a NowPatient registered account
How Much Does the Service Cost?
The consultation itself is completely free. If your clinician prescribes medication then you only pay for the cost of the medication, including any shipment costs. If your clinician does not prescribe a treatment, then there is no cost whatsoever.
The Get Treated Privately service follows a straightforward process:
Search for a treatment or condition. Log in to your NowPatient account and navigate to the Get Treated Privately Service Card on your account homepage. Use the Options Menu to search for a particular treatment or a condition that you would like get treated.
Complete your health profile. Before booking a consultation, make sure your health profile is up to date (see ‘Preparing for Your Consultation’ below).
Book a consultation. Choose a convenient date, time, and clinician. You can filter clinicians by gender and spoken languages. Booking slots are available up to 7 days in advance.
Attend your video consultation. Your clinician will verify your identity, review your health profile, assess your condition, and discuss treatment options.
Receive your treatment. If a prescription is issued, the medication is added to your Cart. Complete checkout and payment, and your order is dispatched from our licensed online pharmacy.
Preparing for Your Consultation
To ensure safe and personalised care, you must complete or update your health profile before booking. This helps your clinician identify potential drug interactions, allergies, and contraindications. Depending on the treatment or the condition being treated, Your clinician may require the following:
Current medications and supplements
Known allergies and adverse reactions
Existing medical conditions
Previous surgeries or hospitalisations
Family medical history (where relevant)
Current symptoms or health concerns
Blood pressure readings (see below)
Height and weight (to calculate your BMI)
Certain blood test results
Important: Before your consultation please ensure NowPatient has access to your device’s microphone and camera. Also please bring your ID - your clinician will verify your identity for safety. Finally, you can bring a carer, friend, or family member if they are in the same location as you. Let your clinician know at the start of the appointment. You may be asked about their relationship to you.
Providing Your Blood Pressure Reading
For certain medications or condition treatments, your clinician may need your most recent blood pressure reading. The NowPatient app uses an innovative, cuffless approach — your smartphone’s front-facing camera measures your blood pressure while held in front of your face. It is the world’s only blood pressure check without a cuff or wearable.
The blood pressure tool is classified as a Medical Device and conforms to EU CE and UKCA Class I Medical Device standards. CE Class IIa conformity is expected in 2025. You will need a recent iOS or Android smartphone with a front-facing camera (not available on desktop devices).
To take your reading:
Start the process. During booking, if a blood pressure reading is required, you will be prompted to take one via the NowPatient app.
Read and agree to the disclaimer.
Enter your personal details. You will need to provide your age, height, and gender.
Follow the on-screen steps. We recommend being in a well-lit room with a stable Wi-Fi connection. The screen will tell you when to stay still.
Attend your consultation. Your clinician will now have your most recent reading to make safe prescribing decisions.
What Happens During the Video Consultation?
At the start, your clinician will introduce themselves and confirm your identity. You will be reminded that:
You are completing this consultation for yourself and to the best of your knowledge
You must disclose any medical conditions, serious illnesses, or operations
You must disclose any prescription medications you are currently taking
You must provide accurate and honest responses since withholding or providing false information can severely harm your health and may result in life-threatening consequences
You confirm that your responses are truthful and accurate
Your clinician will then conduct the assessment relating to your chosen treatment or condition. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide whether treatment is safe and suitable for you.
If treatment is appropriate, the clinician will discuss the available options with you so that you can jointly agree on the best course of action. Once agreed, the clinician will issue a prescription order.
With your consent, the clinician may also inform your doctor of the treatment prescribed. We recommend you agree to this, as your doctor is responsible for your overall care and should have a record of the consultation and any medication prescribed.
Your clinician may also take the opportunity to offer general health advice, including guidance on healthy living or stopping smoking.
Please note: Medication is not guaranteed and is provided only at the discretion of the assessing clinician.
What Happens After the Consultation?
After your consultation, you will receive a post-consultation notification summarising:
The outcome of your appointment
Any referrals made to your doctor
Any advice given by your clinician
Your family doctor is responsible for your overall care. Our clinicians will communicate with your doctor if they have concerns or recommendations that could affect your care. Referrals are only made with your explicit consent or where they form part of the terms of service you agreed to.
If a referral letter was issued, you can view a copy in the ‘Documents’ section of your account. If treatment was prescribed, it will appear in your Cart.
You may also receive a short survey about your experience. We encourage you to complete it. Your feedback helps us improve the service for you and other patients.
How to Complete Your Order After Treatment Is Prescribed
If your clinician prescribes treatment during the consultation, follow these steps to complete your order:
Go to your Cart. Use the account navigation to open your Cart.
Select ‘Checkout’. Proceed from the Cart to the checkout process.
Choose your delivery address. Select or add the address where you would like your medication delivered.
Choose your delivery method. Select from the available delivery options.
Confirm your billing address. Review and confirm your billing details.
Review your order. Check the order summary to make sure everything is correct.
Submit payment. Complete payment on our secure banking page. NowPatient never handles your payment details — all payments are processed securely by our banking partner.
Order confirmed. You will see an order confirmation screen and be redirected to your account homepage.
Reordering Your Medication
Fourteen days after receiving your first monthly supply, NowPatient will send you a notification advising that you are eligible to reorder. To reorder, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately and select the option ‘Manage Treatments’. Here, you will be able to view the following sections:
Reorder
Voided
Pending
Select ‘Reorder’ and this will allow you to book a follow-up consultation.
For your own safety and for our prescribing guidelines, we do not issue more than 1 month supply at a time, this ensures your clinician can:
Follow up on your progress before issuing a new prescription
Assess any new information that may affect your current treatment plan
Confirm the treatment continues to remain safe, suitable, and effective
Adjust your dose if needed, or advise you to stop treatment
At the end of the follow-up, the clinician may advise you to stop treatment, stay on the current dose, or increase the dose. If it is safe to continue, the medication will be added to your Cart for checkout. As a responsible prescribing service, NowPatient always monitors treatment plans to ensure ongoing safety and suitability.
Your Prescribing Clinician
NowPatient’s prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. Each clinician is registered with their respective regulatory body — for example, pharmacist independent prescribers in England are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Every clinician undergoes an extensive background check, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and a rigorous licence verification process. When you book, you will see the clinician’s full name, licence number, and any specialist credentials.
Our formulary of medications and conditions treated is controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr. Ihtesham Sabri.
Please note: If your clinician does not prescribe what you were hoping for, it is because they have exercised their clinical judgement. NowPatient is a safe prescribing service, not a self-select service. If no prescription is issued, you will not be charged.
Medication Advice and Counselling
NowPatient’s pharmacists provide medication advice and counselling across all dispensing services. If you have any questions about your prescribed medication, our pharmacy team is available to help.
Delivery
Where Do You Deliver?
We deliver to all postcodes and zip codes worldwide. Some rural areas may experience slightly longer delivery times.
How Is My Order Packaged?
All orders are shipped in discreet, unmarked packaging, suitable for delivery to your home, workplace, or a neighbour’s address. For temperature-sensitive items (such as insulin or weight loss injections), we use cold chain-validated packaging to maintain product quality, safety, and efficacy.
First order restriction: For your protection, your first order can only be delivered to the address registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address.
Delivery Options and Timescales
We aim to dispatch all orders placed Monday–Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed after 3pm or on weekends are dispatched the next working day.
UK — Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed: Next-day delivery
Europe — Royal Mail Tracked: 3–5 working days
Worldwide — Royal Mail: 5–7 working days (tracked where available)
For deliveries outside the UK, check with your national postal service for accurate delivery days.
What If My Order Has Not Arrived?
You can check tracking details in the ‘Notifications’ section on your account homepage (click the bell icon) at any time after dispatch. If your delivery has not arrived within 10 days of the dispatch notification, contact us and we will do everything we can to resolve the issue.
Order Status Updates
NowPatient keeps you informed at every stage. You will receive status update notifications through:
Email
In-app notifications
Privacy, Security, and Data Protection
Are My Consultations Confidential?
Yes. NowPatient follows strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and is HIPAA compliant, ensuring Personal Health Information (PHI) is handled securely. Legal requirements ensure your personal data is managed with the utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of all processing, and breaches are reported if they occur.
How Is My Data Protected?
NowPatient meets and exceeds UK and US data security standards, demonstrated through regular internal and external audits. Our externally audited accreditations include:
ISO27001
DTAC
DSPT
Cyber Essentials+
How Is My Data Stored?
Data residency is a key priority. UK-based data remains solely in the UK. US data is governed by HIPAA-prescribed data security protocols. The data centres we use align with the highest standards of security and privacy, safeguarded through regular external audits.
Are Remote Video Consultations Safe?
Yes. NowPatient has specific safeguards and protocols in place. Our video technology platform is certified to the highest industry standards of data security and clinical governance.
SAFE PRESCRIBING
Get Started With the Right Treatment for You
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Influenza Key Facts
(Current Version)
Influenza is caused by the Influenza virus and affects thousands of people in the UK every year leading to severe illness or even death. Here, we will take a closer look at what Influenza is, how it spreads, its diagnosis, treatments, and how to prevent it.
Introduction to Influenza
Influenza is a highly infectious disease caused by the Influenza virus that affects people of all ages around the world. Most people recover from flu, but it may lead to more severe illnesses, hospitalization, or even death. This is more common in the elderly, young children, and those with other underlying health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.
What types of Influenza virus are there?
The Influenza virus is categorised into 4 types, A, B, C, and D. The Influenza A and B virus cause seasonal epidemics and have further subtypes. Wild birds carry Influenza A, hence the name avian or bird flu. Influenza C causes more mild respiratory viral infections. Influenza D affects cattle, but is not known to cause infections in humans.
What are the symptoms of Influenza
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Upper respiratory tract symptoms such as, coughing, a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, body aches, and tiredness
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea
Most people will recover from flu within a couple of weeks, but sometimes it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even death.
Risk factors for severe Influenza
Certain groups of people are at an increased risk of developing flu complications. This includes certain age groups, such as young children and the elderly. Also, pregnant women, those with a chronic illness, those with a weakened immune system, or those who are overweight with a high body mass index are also at a higher risk for complications.
Diagnosis of Influenza
Diagnosis of the flu, involves clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional, rapid Influenza diagnostic tests, antibody or antigen tests, or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An early diagnosis will enable treatment and appropriate infection control measures to be taken.
Treating Influenza: Strategies and medications
Treatment includes rest, hydration, painkillers, and antiviral drugs. Antivirals, such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), will reduce the severity and duration of symptoms when taken early. They are most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Preventing Influenza
Seasonal flu vaccines are recommended for those aged 6 months and older, with extra emphasis placed on those from high-risk groups. Immunisation will reduce the chances of getting the flu, as well as minimising how severe the illness will be.
In addition to seasonal Influenza vaccines, good hygiene, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and remaining at home when unwell with the flu can all help to prevent its spread.
Influenza vs. COVID-19: Similarities and differences
Both flu and COVID-19 are respiratory diseases that share similarities in symptoms, transmission, and prevention. However, there are differences between them. Understanding the differences will ensure an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective measures during a pandemic.
Flu season: Timing and impact
Flu season normally occurs during the winter, although flu can occur at any time of the year. The timing and severity of these outbreaks may vary. Understanding these patterns of seasonal flu and their impact is crucial for the prevention, vaccination, and interventions to reduce morbidity associated with the flu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Influenza?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the Influenza virus. Symptoms of the flu include fever, sore throats, coughing, a runny or blocked nose, headaches, body aches, and tiredness.
How does Influenza spread?
Influenza is mostly spread through droplets when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes. Droplets are inhaled or land in the mouths or noses of those nearby. The flu may also be spread through touching surfaces or objects that the flu virus is on and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Who is at higher risk of complications from Influenza?
These include:
- Young children under the age of 5
- The elderly, 65 years of age or older
- Pregnant women
- Those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes
- Those with weakened immune systems
Individuals in these high-risk groups are advised to seek medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms.
How can Influenza be prevented?
Immunisation with the flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent Influenza. Other preventive measures include:
- Good hand hygiene
- Avoiding individuals who are sick with the flu
- Using a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Avoiding touching your face
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
Is the flu shot effective?
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine will vary each year. It will depend on whether the circulating flu strain matches the strains in the vaccine. The flu vaccine will, however, still provide protection against the flu even if the strains do not match. Also, those who do contract the flu, will have milder symptoms. Be aware, vaccines can cause side effects. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about having the flu jab.
Can Influenza be treated with medications?
Antiviral medications can be used to treat the flu to reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. These treatments are most effective when you begin using them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
What should I do if I have Influenza?
If you have Influenza:
- Stay at home to prevent infecting others
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take medications to manage your symptoms
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use a sanitizer
Can face masks help prevent Influenza?
Face masks can help prevent Influenza and other respiratory viruses from spreading. They stop droplets from being released when someone infected coughs or sneezes.
Is it safe to get the Influenza vaccine during pregnancy?
Yes. It is, in fact recommended, to help pregnant women protect themselves and their babies. The vaccine provides immunity to the mother and baby.
How does Influenza differ from COVID-19?
Influenza has a more rapid onset of symptoms than COVID-19, while COVID-19 has an increased risk of complications, especially in the elderly and those with other health conditions.
The future of Influenza prevention and research
Scientists continuously monitor the flu virus, how it changes, and the effectiveness of vaccines. The development of more effective vaccines, diagnostic techniques, and public health capabilities are all essential to reduce the impact Influenza has on global health.
By being informed, keeping good hygiene practices, and having your vaccination, we can all help reduce the threat of Influenza, protecting those most vulnerable in society.
Sources
- NHS Flu
- Mayoclinic – Influenza
- WHO – Influenza guide
- My.clevelandclinic – Influenza
- Betterhealth – Influenza
- CDC – Influenza
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in regulated health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process






















