--- title: It’s Officially Cold Season! How Can You Stay Healthy? description: Upper respiratory infections (URIs), including the common cold, are affecting everyone this time of the year. image: https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXept8bGsZakFoxroTVmlecj-yiA0N_rUTHDIF9ZgqbCPnm3eD7DQmXtiunT2jCfTD6KApkReh6UFS-f34oGRuLL42SZTw68JvZ5CWi60u9CNKKJBgSbLxroAiqsF6nQrzdWtUx9?key=NMIsEmJ6D8rGzTP7TWbt1qoi --- [![](https://usfhp2.knockmedia.dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-1.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) - [About Us](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Events & Webinars](https://usfhp.net/events-and-webinars/) - [Contact Us](https://usfhp.net/contact/) [Members](https://member.usfhp.net/) [Providers](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Member FAQs](https://usfhp.net/member-faqs/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Become a Member](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Eligibility](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Health Benefit Consultants](https://usfhp.net/health-benefit-consultants) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Tricare Prime Coverage](https://usfhp.net/tricare-prime-coverage/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Webinars](https://usfhp.net/webinars/) - [Contact](https://usfhp.net/contact/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [About](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Provider Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Member Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) ### Contact - - - # Weekly Health Tips # It’s Officially Cold Season! How Can You Stay Healthy? Posted by [USFHP](https://blog.usfhp.net/author/usfhp) on Dec 12, 2024 11:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)   ![Gemini_Generated_Image_i60pcei60pcei60p](https://blog.usfhp.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_i60pcei60pcei60p.png?width=1292&height=705&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_i60pcei60pcei60p.png)   Image Credit: [Canva](https://www.canva.com/)   Upper respiratory infections (URIs), including the common cold, are affecting everyone this time of the year. So, during this time, it’s important to keep warm and stay safe so you can enjoy the festivities all year long, but to do that, you need as much information as possible.   **Understanding Upper Respiratory Infections and the Common Cold** URIs include a range of illnesses that can affect your nose, throat, and sinuses including the flu, the common cold, sinus infection, laryngitis, and pharyngitis, and all of these illnesses are typically caused by viruses not bacteria.  Typical [symptoms](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4022-upper-respiratory-infection) of viral URIs include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, mild fever, and fatigue. These symptoms can typically resolve themselves in 7 to 10 days as the immune system fights off the virus.   **How to Reduce the Spread of URIs** From sharing a cup of hot chocolate to offering your friend some lip balm, there are several common, yet unexpected, ways that URIs can spread this winter. So, as you and your loved ones continue to enjoy the holidays, make sure to wash your hands, maintain appropriate social distancing, and eat a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients so you can stay safe!   **How To Manage the Common Cold ** To combat the common cold and other URIs, getting as much rest as possible is key. On top of that, it’s important to stay hydrated to alleviate symptoms. If symptoms worsen or last longer than 10-14 days, consult a doctor to rule out potential complications or a secondary infection. The USFHP Primary Healthcare Plan provides routine doctor's visits, hospitalization, prescription coverage, preventative healthcare coverage, and specialty care.    Visit [usfhp.net](http://usfhp.net/) or call 1-800-241-4848 for more information on our healthcare plans or assistance scheduling a one-on-one appointment. Topics: [Winter](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/winter), [flu](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/flu), [cold](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/cold) [![](http://usfhp2.test/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Group-1774.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) To provide the highest quality health care for uniformed services family members, retirees, and their family members. - - - [Contact Us](https://blog.usfhp.net/) [Member's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Provider Quick Links - About - Resources - FAQs - Videos [Provider's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Member Quick Links - [Enroll](http://usfhp2.test/enrollment/) - Benefits - Locations - Webinars --- TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. ©2022 All rights reserved. website by [knockmedia](https://knockmedia.com)