Cold & Flu
Download the app now to talk with a medical professional about cold & flu.
About Cold & Flu
The common cold and flu are viral infections of your upper respiratory system. It is generally harmless although it can make you feel pretty terrible. Most commonly a sore throat or cough is caused by a simple viral infection, but in some cases can be caused by a bacterial infection requiring further treatment.
Getting help
- Assess your symptoms and advise if watchful waiting or treatment is appropriate
- Provide education on the differences between viral and bacterial infections
- Discuss hygiene practices to prevent transmission and spread of illness
- Advise you when to seek immediate medical attention
- Take your temperature
- Hop on video to assess your clinical state or take a picture to look in your throat
- Follow-up with an in-person medical assessment if your symptoms seem more severe
- If you are very young, elderly or have a complex medical history, we may advise an in-person assessment
- If we suspect bacterial strep throat, bronchitis or pneumonia we may ask you to be seen in person for a physical examination
What is Akira?
Akira is a mobile app that gives you instant access to a team of Canadian doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses experienced in family medicine.
Get help with many common issues without leaving home or work
Shazeen is a family physician who trained at McMaster University and University of Toronto. She has a special interest in preventative and addiction medicine. She is the Clinical Practice Lead for Family Medicine at Akira.
Clinical Practice Lead
Stéphane is a physician based at the McGill University Health Center where he practices and teaches emergency medicine since 2005. He has also worked with McKinsey and others as a business consultant and has been involved with healthcare startups in Canada. He is passionate about the revolutionary potential of mobile health.
Quebec Practice Lead
Pamela is a family physician based in Toronto. She completed her residency training at the University of Toronto and has a special interest in acute ambulatory care and women's health.
Pamela is available for consultation in Korean.
Dr. Lougheed is a family and emergency physician who trained at Queen’s University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Ottawa.
Ingrid is a family physician who trained at McMaster University and University of Toronto. She has specific interests in mental health, breastfeeding medicine and medical education.
Ingrid is available for consultation in Cantonese.
Smeeta is a family physician who trained at St. George's University and completed her residency at the University of Toronto. She has a special interest in acute care and women's health.
Nhon is a Nurse Practitioner who completed her studies at the University of Ottawa. She has an interest in primary health care as well as women's health, specifically obstetrics.
Nhon is available for consultation in Vietnamese.
Heather is a Nurse Practitioner and alumnus of the University of Waterloo (BSc), University of Toronto (BScN) and University of Alberta (MN). She is interested in preventative medicine, women's health and mental health.
April is a Nurse Practitioner who did her studies at the University of British Columbia. She has an interest in primary health care, specifically women's health. She also enjoys providing care to remote and rural communities.
Kathryn is a Nurse Practitioner who completed her M.Sc and NP training at McMaster University. Her knowledge base is well rounded in primary health care but has a special interest in well women and infant care.
Camille is an Akira Care Coordinator and has completed her Masters in Education at Queen's University. She is interested in knowledge translation, accessibility, and cultural competency in healthcare.
Care Coordinator
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