Colds or coughs are some of the most common health concerns for many people. A lot of patients end up opting for alternative treatment for these conditions, such as drinking a lot of tea, and staying indoors until they feel better. But in some cases, such treatments may not be enough, and a doctor’s expert opinion may be required.
Here’s how to get that opinion online.
Telemedicine: What It Is, and How It Works
Telemedicine is a term that refers to the use of technology to enable remote healthcare. In practice, this can take on many different approaches, from using the phone to check in with patients for post-care to the use of video calling services in order to conduct an appointment.
The goal of telemedicine is to give faster access to people for various health services. Its goal is to work with traditional healthcare methods, not to replace them.
How Telemedicine Helps People with Colds and Coughs
While some patients may experience more severe symptoms if you have a cold or a persistent cough you may not be that worried initially. Colds, for instance, are a rather common occurrence, and most people start feeling better after around a week even if they do not take any form of treatment.
But you can be excused if you do not know if your cold is just that—a cold, or the beginning of something else. The same principle applies to a cough – it could just be that you are experiencing a sore throat, or the cough itself can be a symptom of something else. Because both of these conditions are so common, you likely do not worry much when they first appear, much less book a doctor’s appointment. You only do that if your condition persists or gets worse.
Well, through telemedicine, you can effectively get a quick check-up and know, from the beginning what is going on without needing to leave your home. This allows you to access quick treatment and potentially prevent your health from getting worse down the line because of improper treatment or inaction.
The Steps to Treating a Cold and Cough Online
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Find a Platform
Telemedicine is a lot more common these days, and you have a lot of options to choose from, even if you do not have health insurance (these services are usually a lot cheaper than in a traditional facility). All you need to do is quickly research a few different platforms that offer access to board-certified online doctors, and create an account on the one that fits your needs, best.
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Get in Touch with a Doctor and Describe Your Symptoms
After you’ve found the platform, you will be matched with an appropriate doctor and start discussing your symptoms. Based on their assessment, you may even be given some medicine recommendations. After that, you can schedule a follow-up with your doctor using the same service.
Can We Help?
Treating mild conditions like colds or coughs is easier than ever, and WebDoctors is happy to help you access a doctor fast. Sign up for a consultation here.
