Flu treatment or prevention
Flu symptoms just started, or close contact with confirmed flu? Quinn first checks whether you are currently unwell or seeking prevention, then checks timing, breathing, hydration and medicine safety. If it fits, a clinician may prescribe patient-funded oseltamivir.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- A clinician may prescribe one exact patient-funded oseltamivir course for treatment or prevention
- If the 48-hour window has passed and you are otherwise well, Quinn gives self-care and safety-net advice without a clinician charge
- Breathing difficulty, dehydration or severe illness needs same-day or emergency care
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- Age 1 year or older, within the treatment or prevention window and otherwise well enough for remote care
- No breathing difficulty, dehydration, major kidney problem, significant immune suppression or medicine exclusion
Use another service first if…
- Breathing difficulty, chest pain, dehydration, confusion, marked drowsiness or severe worsening
- Age under 1 year, significant kidney disease or dialysis, significant immune suppression, or an unclear diagnosis
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
Call 111 now if you…
- have marked trouble breathing, blue or grey colour, collapse, confusion, a seizure or severe chest pain
Get same-day care if you…
- are breathing harder than normal, cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, become very drowsy or are worsening severely
About flu treatment or prevention
Influenza is a viral respiratory illness that usually begins suddenly. Oseltamivir may be considered when treatment can start within 48 hours, or for selected people after a confirmed close contact. Vaccination remains the preferred routine prevention method.
- A sudden flu-like illness that began within the previous 48 hours
- No symptoms, but close contact with someone whose flu was confirmed within the previous 48 hours
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Whether you are currently unwell or seeking prevention after close contact
- When symptoms or exposure began, the influenza pattern, breathing and hydration
- Age, a child's current weight, kidney or immune problems, pregnancy, medicines and allergies
Frequently asked questions
Why does the 48-hour timing matter?
Oseltamivir works best when treatment starts within 48 hours of symptoms, or prevention starts within 48 hours of the qualifying close contact.
Can children use this service?
Yes, from age 1 year. A child's current weight selects an exact liquid dose and total quantity. Infants under 1 need an individual assessment.
Is oseltamivir funded?
Not through this routine community service. You pay the pharmacy price, which can vary between pharmacies.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.