Upper Respiratory Infection / Common Cold

What is it?

An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a cold caused by a viral inflammation of the mucous lining of the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nose, throat and sinuses. Symptoms can last between 4-14 days.

Antibiotics DO NOT help a cold.  

Symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Headache
• Fever
• Chest congestion
• Nasal congestion
• Body aches

Treatment:

• Get plenty of rest (8-9 hours/night)
• Drink at least 8 large glasses of water a day and/or fruit juices high in Vitamin C, jello, tea with honey or broth/soups (these help thin your mucus and can decrease congestion)
• Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication to treat your specific symptoms:
  1. Sore throat
     • Salt water gargles, with ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of hot water several times per day
     • Honey and water gargles, with equal parts several times per day
     • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (follow label instructions)
     • Hard candy or throat lozenges (helps soothe and moisten throat)
  2. Cough
     • Robitussin or Delsym (follow label instructions)
     • Vicks Vaporub (apply to chest and under nostrils)
  3. Runny nose and congestion
     • Sudafed (follow label instructions)
     • Flonase/Fluticasone nasal spray (follow label instructions)
     • Sinus rinses with distilled water, or use a neti pot
     • Cool-mist humidifier or warm-steam showers
  4. Fever and body aches
     • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (follow label instructions)
  5. For multi-symptom relief take Dayquil and Nyquil (follow label instructions)
• Refrain from smoking as it will make your symptoms worse
• Do not drink alcohol because it is dehydrating, can worsen symptoms and interact with the OTC medications
• Use Vaseline, Aquaphor or a lip moisturizer to prevent chapped lips
• Avoid milk products because they increase the amount and thickness of your mucus

Prevention:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often or use hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs
• Use tissues to cover your sneezes and capture snot and promptly dispose of them
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing
• Don’t share beverages, utensils or toothbrushes with others

Contact Health Services

If your symptoms worsen over 3-5 days, do not improve in 7 days, or you develop new symptoms.