The weather is getting colder, and cold and flu season is here. At first, you might notice a few sniffles, then a sore throat and maybe a fever. Uh-oh – you’re sick (and you don’t have time for that). Here’s what you can do to lower your chances of getting sick.
Understanding Cold and Flu
Colds and the flu both affect your respiratory system and are contagious, even though they’re caused by different viruses. It can be difficult to know which one you have, because they share similar symptoms.
A cold will have milder symptoms like:
cough
runny nose
sore throat
The flu is generally worse than a cold because the symptoms are more severe and come on suddenly. The flu includes cold symptoms plus:
fever
muscle or body aches
headache
fatigue
The flu can also turn into more serious problems like pneumonia, bacterial infection or a trip to the hospital.
Prevent Colds and Flu
Colds can’t be prevented with a vaccine. But you can get a shot to protect you from the flu. Most people older than six months should get a yearly flu shot. They're 100% covered by your health plan and start protecting you in two weeks.
The flu can spread before any symptoms appear. That’s why others can give you the flu before they know they have it. To prevent illness, you can:
Get regular checkups and stay current on your immunizations. When you get vaccinations like the flu shot and COVID-19, it helps you and everyone around you stay healthy.
Wash your hands with soap and water regularly. Alcohol-based cleaners, like hand sanitizer, are a good substitute when you can’t use a sink.
Cover sneezes and coughs in your arm or with a tissue. Wash your hands as soon as you can.
Stay home when you’re sick. Help protect the people around you by keeping your distance.
Exercise. Physical activity keeps your body healthy and helps improve lung capacity.
Get plenty of rest. A rested body can help fight off an infection.
Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. It can prevent germs in your mouth from developing into infections.
Reduce stress. Stress can affect your mind and body, making it easier for you to get sick. Find ways to reduce stress like getting outside, listening to music or meditating.
Use the Texas Health and Human Services Texas Respiratory Illness Interactive Dashboard to find more information and rates of respiratory infection in Texas.
Provider Finder®
Use Provider Finder® to find a doctor to help you stay up to date on vaccines and preventive care. You can search by location, gender or specialty.
You can also connect with a plan specialist about coverage and benefits or to get help finding a provider. They can even make an appointment for you! Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat in the , 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Teladoc™
Make a virtual appointment for nonemergency conditions with a licensed provider.
Know Where to Get Care
If you do get sick or have an accident over the holidays, know where to go for care.
100% Covered Vaccines
Your TRS health plan covers immunizations at no cost to you.
Get the Care You Need
For more information about plan coverage or to find a primary care physician call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or sign in or register on your member website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA.
Find a Provider
For more information about plan coverage or to find a primary care physician call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or register on your member website.
Covered Vaccines
Vaccines, including those for the flu, Hepatitis B, pneumonia, or COVID-19 are covered at $0. Learn the facts about vaccines from this UnitedHealthcare resource. For more information about plan coverage call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or sign in or register on your member website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA.