Your chances of catching a viral illness are higher at certain times of year, like back to school, when temperatures begin to drop and during the fall and winter holidays.
Viruses can cause varying degrees of illness, from minor to very severe. They spread quickly, especially if they're airborne like COVID-19, RSV, cold or flu. An airborne virus can stay in the air long enough to reach someone else, even if they aren't standing close. It can also spread when the virus is on an infected person's hands or something they've touched.
A few steps you can take to protect yourself and your family are:
- Get Vaccinated
Get your flu shot. Like colds, flu is contagious and is caused by a virus. Unlike colds, you can get a shot to protect yourself and others from flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most people who are six months or older should get a yearly flu shot. They're covered at 100% by your health plan.
The flu can spread before any symptoms appear. This is why others can give you the flu even before they know they have it. It takes about two weeks for the shot to start protecting you from the flu virus.
It's also important to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. The CDC says the shots are a safe, effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19. They're recommended for most people who are six months old or older.
- Avoid Germs
Ward off viruses and other illnesses by remembering to:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water isn't available
- cover both your mouth and nose with a tissue or your shirt when you cough
- after you use a tissue, throw it in the trash
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands when you're out in public
- avoid close contact with people who are sick
- stay home when you're sick
- clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched a lot, like toys, door handles, faucets and TV remotes
- Don't share drinks or eating utensils
These steps are especially important for people at higher risk of infectious disease. They include:
- people with compromised immune systems, like those receiving cancer treatments, living with HIV or taking certain medicines
- young children
- pregnant women
- adults over 60
- people who aren't vaccinated against common infectious diseases
- health care workers
Symptoms of Respiratory Illnesses
- fever
- chills
- fatigue
- cough
- runny nose
- change in appetite
- sore throat
What should you do if you’re sick?
When we feel bad, we want to get better quickly. Medicines like antibiotics may seem like the answer when you have a problem like a cough, sore throat or sinus pain.
But studies show that most upper respiratory infections are viral. And antibiotics don't help viral infections. They only fight infections caused by bacteria. The CDC warns that taking antibiotics when you have a virus can do more harm than good. You will still feel sick, and the antibiotic could give you a skin rash, diarrhea, a yeast infection or worse.
When it’s Bacterial
You may need an antibiotic for:
- a sinus infection that doesn't improve in 10 days, or improves initially and then gets worse
- a sudden-onset illness with a 102-degree fever and colored nasal discharge or mucus or facial pain that lasts for three days in a row
- sudden-onset bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms usually include cough, colored mucus, fever of at least 100.6 degrees, shaking chills and shortness of breath or chest pain with a deep breath. This illness is frequently confirmed by a chest X-ray.
- a cough with a severe “whooping" sound that comes in episodes or spasms and is so severe it may take your breath away or cause vomiting
- strep throat documented by a throat swab
When it’s Viral
Some ways to treat minor, nonbacterial illnesses include:
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for aches and pains
- cough suppressants, decongestants or antihistamines as needed for symptoms
- plenty of fluids and rest
- humidifier to help improve symptoms of nasal congestion and runny nose
Parents should talk to their children's provider about when and how to treat fever and cough. Please note that for children below age 6, ibuprofen, cough suppressants, decongestants or antihistamines are not recommended. There is no evidence of their effectiveness, and they can cause harmful side effects.
Protect Your Lungs
As we age, our lungs lose some of their ability to move fresh air and oxygen into the body and get rid of waste. So, it's important to prioritize lung health and not take it for granted – especially during cold and flu season.
To keep your lungs healthy:
- Get regular checkups. Even if you aren't sick, regular annual wellness exams can help prevent serious illnesses. During checkups, your provider will listen to your lungs and breathing.
- Exercise. Physical activity is good for your overall health. Exercise helps improve lung capacity. Breathing exercises can also boost your mood and help you relax.
- Don't Smoke. Cigarette smoke is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It also causes chronic inflammation in the lungs, which leads to chronic bronchitis. Over time, smoke destroys lung tissue and may even lead to cancer. It's never too late to quit.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. It can prevent germs from turning into infections.
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
TRS Virtual Health
You and your family can get convenient, quality health care from home or on the go through Teladoc® or RediMD™, 24/7. They can treat conditions like colds, flu, allergies, asthma, skin issues, muscle strains, respiratory infections and other acute illnesses. They can also send prescriptions to your pharmacy if needed.
Provider Finder®
Our Provider Finder offers an easy way to find a doctor, hospital or other type of medical care. You can also research providers using patient reviews, certifications and recognition information.
Resources for TRS-Care Medicare Advantage
Find a Provider
Call UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday, and they can help you find a provider. To see if your provider is part of the UnitedHealthcare network, you can call UnitedHealthcare or sign in or register on your member website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA and click on Find a provider.