[Image description: A woman is having a telehealth visit on her laptop. She is talking to a doctor.]
Doctors on LiveHealth Online are available when you need them — 24/7 — and as close as your smartphone, tablet or computer. They can treat a range of conditions, providing advice, treatment options and a prescription if needed.
Here are 9 common health concerns doctors on can help you with — and the symptoms that might mean it’s time to have a visit:
Allergies
Telltale symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose. For people with asthma, breathing in allergens may also cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Allergic reactions (to foods, pets, chemicals, etc.) can also cause red, itchy eyes; itchy red bumps on the skin called hives, and an itchy, flaking skin condition called eczema. If you’re having a serious allergic reaction or have symptoms such as swelling in your lips, tongue or throat or problems swallowing or breathing — call 911 or your local emergency facility. If you have an auto-injector for allergies, use it right away.
Cold
There’s a reason it’s called the common cold! People in the U.S. catch an estimated 1 billion colds each year. You may have caught one if you’re coughing, sneezing and have a sore throat or a runny or stuffy nose. A cold can also cause tiredness, headache, muscle aches, green or yellow nasal discharge and a fever up to 102°F. Typically, cold symptoms come on slowly and tend to be mild. There’s no cure for the common cold, and antibiotics won’t work, but you can take over-the-counter medications to ease your symptoms.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is known to cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and a loss of taste or smell. You may also feel tired or have muscle or body aches. Some people have digestive system symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. If you or someone you’re taking care of has any of these emergency warning signs, call 911: trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, a blue or gray tinge to the skin or lips, sudden confusion, inability to wake up or stay awake.
Flu (Influenza)
Flu symptoms develop more suddenly than cold symptoms and tend to be more severe. You may have a fever (possibly over 102°F), chills and sweats, nausea, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, cough or stuffy nose. The flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t help. But there are antiviral medications that could help you get better faster.
Migraine
Migraines cause moderate to severe pain that may throb or pulse. The pain may be on just one side of your head. When you have a migraine, you may also feel weak or nauseated and be sensitive to light and sound. Migraines repeat, so over time you may begin to recognize signs that one is coming on — for example, an “aura” in which you see bright or flashing lights or zig-zag lines, or have the feeling of being touched. You may also be able to identify what triggers your migraines, which can include stress and anxiety, lack of sleep, certain foods or ingredients or hormonal changes in women.
Pink eye
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is when the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelid gets irritated, swollen and — true to its name — red. Your eyes (or eye — you can get it in just one) may itch or burn, and you may notice a watery or sticky discharge. Typically, pink eye doesn’t affect your vision. Pink eye may be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, contact lenses or eye care products such as drops or ointments. Pink eye that’s caused by bacteria or a virus spreads very easily, so it’s important to avoid touching your eyes and wash your hands often if you have it.
Rash
Rashes can take many forms. The irritated areas of your skin can be swollen, itchy, painful, red or raw and you may also see bumps or blisters. There are many possible causes for a rash, including immune system conditions, childhood illness such as chickenpox or scarlet fever, allergies and insect stings. Rashes can also be caused by something you come in contact with — such as certain plants, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents and dyes.
Sore throat
When your throat is sore, it can feel painful or scratchy and may hurt when you swallow. There may be visual signs too: Inside your mouth, your tonsils (the lumps on either side at the back of your throat) may look red and swollen, or you may see white spots in your throat or on your tonsils. You may also be able to feel swollen glands in your neck. A cold or flu virus is often the cause, but a sore throat can also be due to an illness such as tonsillitis, mononucleosis or strep throat, or from allergies, smoking, pollution, or even breathing through your mouth while you sleep.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Pain or burning when you urinate can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection. You may also feel the need to urinate more often than usual — and, sometimes you may not be able to pass any urine despite feeling the urge. When you have a UTI, your urine may be smelly, cloudy, dark, or bloody. In children, a UTI can also cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach or back pain. And it may cause a child who is potty trained to have “accidents.”
These are the most common conditions doctors on LiveHealth Online can help with, but they’re not the only ones. If you’re not feeling well, have a visit for fast and convenient care.