✅ What telemedicine can do for URIs
🩺 Evaluate symptoms

A clinician can assess:

Onset and duration of symptoms

Fever pattern

Cough, sore throat, congestion

Body aches, fatigue

COVID / flu exposure risk

Red-flag symptoms

💊 Provide treatment

Depending on the case, telemedicine can:

Recommend supportive care (fluids, rest, OTC meds)

Prescribe antivirals (e.g., oseltamivir) when indicated and early

Prescribe cough suppressants, inhalers, nasal sprays

Advise when antibiotics are NOT needed (most URIs are viral)

Provide work/school notes

🧪 Order testing (when appropriate)

Flu testing

COVID testing

🚨 When telemedicine is not appropriate

Seek in-person or urgent care if there is:

Shortness of breath or chest pain

Oxygen saturation < 94%

High or persistent fever (>102–103°F)

Confusion or severe weakness

Dehydration

Symptoms in infants, elderly, or immunocompromised patients that are worsening

🧠 Why URIs are ideal for telemedicine

Diagnosis is history-based

Physical exam rarely changes management

Most cases are self-limited

Clear, evidence-based treatment protocols exist

🏥 Typical telemedicine outcome

Reassurance + symptom relief plan

Prescription if appropriate

Clear return-precautions and follow-up instructions

Bottom line:
✔ Yes — telemedicine is very effective for evaluating and treating colds and flu-like illnesses in otherwise stable patients.