Winter bugs, including ‘flu, RSV and Covid-19 have caused a 40% jump in GP consultations, according to Medmate

As winter well and truly sets in, residents across Back Country communities could turn to online doctors to get help with nasty colds and flu, avoiding long waits and busy clinics.

Medmate, a leading online health service in Australia, says it has seen a 40% jump in cold and flu consultations over the last month. They say this surge is being driven by common winter bugs like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, which are hitting hard in regional communities, where getting to a doctor can be a real trek.

Dr. Ganesh Naidoo, a practising GP and founder of Medmate, says people are changing the way they want to see a doctor. 

"When you're unwell at home, the last thing you want is to wait a fortnight for a GP appointment or spend hours in a hospital emergency department," he explained.

Medmate offers quick online consultations with qualified Australian doctors, many of whom have experience in general practice and emergency care. Patients can chat with a doctor in as little as 15 minutes, with services starting from just $19.90 for eligible consultations. 

Medmate says this means you can get advice, prescriptions, medical certificates, or even referrals without leaving your living room.

"Our service is designed to be simple, safe, and medically sound," Dr. Naidoo added. 

"Our doctors know when someone can be safely looked after at home, and when they need to be sent to a hospital. This helps keep our hospitals from getting overwhelmed and supports a more efficient health system for everyone."

With GP wait times stretching out across many parts of the country, and local hospitals seeing more and more people with minor coughs and fevers, services like Medmate are proving to be a lifeline. They operate seven days a week, making it easier for people in places like Hay, Balranald, Ivanhoe, Wilcannia, and Menindee to get the care they need when they need it most.

"This is about smart, accessible care," said Dr. Naidoo. 

"We're giving Australians a trusted clinical alternative that's safe, affordable, and meets all the national telehealth standards – and we're doing it when the system is really under the pump."

Medmate's data shows that the biggest increases in demand are in colder southern states, including NSW, where the flu season is peaking and traditional clinics are feeling the strain. 

Meta title: Rural Communities Consider Online Doctors Amidst Winter Virus Surge

Meta Description: Medmate says remote NSW towns like Hay, Balranald and Wilcannia should consider online doctors, as winter viruses hit, offering quick, affordable care and easing pressure on local clinics.