Cold and flu FAQs

Can you use insurance for cold and flu medicine?

Your insurance may cover cold and flu medicine if your healthcare provider writes you a prescription for it and it is used for an FDA-approved indication, although not every plan covers these types of medicines. However, you may have to pay a copay or coinsurance, depending on the details of your plan. If your cost-sharing is too high, you can use SingleCare coupons to save up to 80% off the average retail cost. You can also pay with flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) funds.

How do you use SingleCare for OTC cold and flu medicine?

Did you know you can use SingleCare for OTC medication? Start by looking up your medication on SingleCare.com or on the SingleCare app to see which pharmacies near you offer the lowest price. Then, call your healthcare provider’s office and ask them to send a prescription to your chosen pharmacy. (Although you don’t need a prescription to purchase OTC cold and flu medicines, your pharmacy will need one in order to process the SingleCare discount.) Once the prescription is sent, head to the pharmacy counter to pick up your prescription. When ready to pay, present your SingleCare prescription discount card or coupon at checkout to get the SingleCare price. 

When is cold and flu season?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season occurs during the fall and winter each year—with the peak flu activity occurring in December, January, and February. 

Most adults have two or three colds each year, and children have even more. You can get a cold at any time of the year, although colds are more likely to occur in the fall and winter (late August through March or April). 

What’s the difference between a cold and the flu?

Both the cold and flu are caused by viruses—which means antibiotics won’t cure them. They are caused by different viruses, though. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, but the common cold can be caused by several different viruses. 

Colds and flu share similar symptoms, but flu symptoms tend to be more severe and can lead to serious health problems. People with a cold are more likely to have nasal congestion or a runny nose. There is a vaccine to prevent the flu, but there is no vaccine for the common cold. 

Can I take Tylenol Cold and Flu while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are hundreds of cold and flu products, many of which share similar names but have different ingredients—for example, Tylenol Cold & Flu offers both daytime and nighttime formulas with slightly different active ingredients. It is very important to check with your healthcare provider before taking any medicine while you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Always tell your provider exactly which product and ingredients are in the product you are asking about. You can also ask your healthcare provider in advance which medicines are safe for you to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. 

How can you prevent the flu?

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. Some other tips that may help prevent the flu and spread of germs include:

• Stay away from people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. You can also wear a mask when you are sick. 

• Wash your hands frequently. 

• Avoid touching your face.

• Try to improve air quality by opening windows, purifying the air, or spending time outside.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, like counters and doorknobs.