You woke up with a sore throat and a headache. Could it be a mild cold, the flu, or COVID-19? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website can help you understand the differences and similarities between the flu and COVID-19. But when you need advice for any medical concern, TRICARE resources can help. The Military Health System (MHS) Nurse Advice Line is available for you to get health care support from a registered nurse, at no cost, 24/7. Phone, web chat, and video chat options are available to you.

“It can be worrisome to develop cold or flu symptoms during a pandemic,” said U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Bobby Taylor, MHS Nurse Advice Line program manager. “Our team is here to help you navigate your family’s health care needs. A nurse can assess your symptoms and give you advice at any time of the day or night, from the comfort of your home.”

Through the MHS Nurse Advice Line, you can get recommendations for the most appropriate level of care based on your symptoms. If needed, you can get help finding an urgent or emergency care facility. If you’re enrolled at a military hospital or clinic, you can get help scheduling a same or next day appointment. After the call, you can also view a secure summary of your health care advice.

Not sure if you’re eligible to receive MHS Nurse Advice Line services? The MHS Nurse Advice Line is available to you if you’re enrolled in a TRICARE health plan and living or traveling in the U.S., or in a country with a military hospital or clinic. If you’re in the U.S., Guam, or Puerto Rico, you can call 1-800-TRICARE (1-800-874-2273), then choose option 1. You can find all other country-specific phone numbers on the website. This service isn’t available if you’re enrolled in the US Family Health Plan, which has its own nurse advice line.

If you or a family member has a life-threatening condition, the MHS Nurse Advice Line isn’t for emergencies. If you reasonably believe you have an emergency, call 911 or your international emergency number, or go to an emergency room.

Take care of yourself and your family this fall and winter. When in doubt, connect with the MHS Nurse Advice Line.