Symptoms and Conditions

Dealing with illness can be stressful for you and your family. Knowing the cause of certain symptoms and conditions can point you to the right type of care. Learn more below.

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You have choices in a nonemergency

Going to the emergency room for nonemergency illnesses and injuries can be costly. As a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan member, you have options for care that work for you, your family and your budget.

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Common symptoms, conditions and where to go for care

Respiratory infection

An upper respiratory infection affects your nose, throat and sinuses. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, tiredness and mild body aches.

Depending on where the infection is, you may also have a fever, headache, nausea, congestion or mucus.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) can also include these symptoms.

Where to go for care:

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc Health®

Sinus infection

A sinus infection is when the lining of your sinuses — which are areas behind your eyes, nose and cheeks — gets irritated or infected.

Symptoms include pain and pressure around your eyes, nose, cheeks or forehead, headache and nasal congestion. You might also have a fever, sore throat or cough. You should contact a health care provider immediately if you have these symptoms – especially a fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Please note: The coronavirus (COVID-19) can also include these symptoms.

Where to go for care: 

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc

Ear infection

An ear infection is often in the middle of the ear, behind the eardrum. It’s usually related to a cold or allergy. Symptoms include pain or fullness in the ear, draining fluid, fever and hearing loss.

Please note: These symptoms can look like other health problems. Always talk with a health care provider for a diagnosis. 

Where to go for care: 

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc
24-Hour Nurse Line
Walk-in Clinic

Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection within any part of the urinary tract. Symptoms include pain or burning while passing urine, or urine that’s dark, cloudy or reddish.

UTIs are common among both men and women, but women are especially prone to them.

Where to go for care: 

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc
24-Hour Nurse Line
Walk-in Clinic

Vaginal infection

A vaginal infection is also called vaginitis. It’s when the vagina becomes inflamed or infected.

Symptoms include itching, pain, odor and discharge. It's common in women of all ages.

Where to go for care: 

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc
24-Hour Nurse Line
Walk-in Clinic

Respiratory infection

An upper respiratory infection affects your nose, throat and sinuses. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, tiredness and mild body aches.

Depending on where the infection is, you may also have a fever, headache, nausea, congestion or mucus.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) can also include these symptoms.

Where to go for care:

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc Health®

Sinus infection

A sinus infection is when the lining of your sinuses — which are areas behind your eyes, nose and cheeks — gets irritated or infected.

Symptoms include pain and pressure around your eyes, nose, cheeks or forehead, headache and nasal congestion. You might also have a fever, sore throat or cough. You should contact a health care provider immediately if you have these symptoms – especially a fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Please note: The coronavirus (COVID-19) can also include these symptoms.

Where to go for care: 

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc

Ear infection

An ear infection is often in the middle of the ear, behind the eardrum. It’s usually related to a cold or allergy. Symptoms include pain or fullness in the ear, draining fluid, fever and hearing loss.

Please note: These symptoms can look like other health problems. Always talk with a health care provider for a diagnosis. 

Where to go for care: 

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc
24-Hour Nurse Line
Walk-in Clinic

Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection within any part of the urinary tract. Symptoms include pain or burning while passing urine, or urine that’s dark, cloudy or reddish.

UTIs are common among both men and women, but women are especially prone to them.

Where to go for care: 

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc
24-Hour Nurse Line
Walk-in Clinic

Vaginal infection

A vaginal infection is also called vaginitis. It’s when the vagina becomes inflamed or infected.

Symptoms include itching, pain, odor and discharge. It's common in women of all ages.

Where to go for care: 

Primary Care Doctor
Virtual Care by Teladoc
24-Hour Nurse Line
Walk-in Clinic

Where to start: Your primary care doctor

Your primary care doctor should be your first call when you’re not feeling well. They understand your health history, the medications you’re taking and illnesses you’re prone to.

Learn More

Get to know your other options for care

 A doctor smiles while talking to a patient over the phone.

24-Hour Nurse Line

Talk to a registered nurse about minor symptoms by phone, day or night.

Learn more about the nurse line
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Virtual Care

Have a virtual visit with a U.S. board-certified doctor at any time.

Learn more about Virtual Care
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Walk-in clinics

Walk-in clinics offer in-person care without an appointment.

Learn more about walk-in clinics

Your mental health is important, too

With your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan plan, you have choices for behavioral health care. Many are virtual, over the phone or on-demand. MENTAL HEALTH OPTIONS

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Please note: This is not medical advice. You should always use your best judgement when seeking care. If you have medical questions, speak with your regular doctor or find one by logging in to your member account.

The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes only. Nothing on this webpage is intended to be, nor should be used as or relied upon as, professional medical advice. Nothing contained on this webpage is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. For medical advice, or to receive medical diagnosis or treatment, consult with your health care provider.

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