I hope you are doing great! At least better than me. This week the weather changed dramatically in Chicago and I got a cold that got worse with an earache! I don't know if you have ever had one, butit is one of the worst pains you can feel.
Check the weather news by the Chicago Tribune here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-high-wind-lakeshore-flood-warnings-issued-20111019,0,98419.story?obref=obinsite)
The first thing I would like to say is that, before coming to any other country where the weather is different to the one you are used, you should get the vaccines they recommend you. I personally got the Flu vaccine before coming and they strongly recomend you to take any other preventives actions you consider necessary. Also, you should definitely invest money in buying appropiate attire for the winter season. It worth every cent of it!
On the other hand, I wanted to talk a little bit about your health care options you have in the US if this happens to you for any reason. If you are coming as a student to any university in the US, the university usually offers an insurance plan (not always the cheapest, but they offer you one). If you are not willing to take this plan, most of the schools impose you to have another private insurance plan. So please consider every option you can afford before coming. Try to research all the options you have in advance, so that you maximize your budget constrains.
However, if for any reason you do not count on a health insurance plan or if your deductible is too high, there are several convenient options. One of them is Minute Clinic, a service provided in some CVS pharmacies locations. They offer primary diagnoses and treat for common illness and minor injuries, as well as health condition monitoring, at very reasonable rates. I was treated by them and my experience was wonderful. I would strongly recommend this option for primary evaluation.
(For more information regarding this service, visit http://minuteclinic.com/)
Here in Chicago, there are other Low-Cost options like ACCESS Community Health (http://www.accesscommunityhealth.net/) and the Lawndale Christian Health Center (http://www.lawndale.org/).
So I would recommend you to look for the alternatives you have in the case you require medical attention near your location. And try stay warm!!!!
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