Upper Respiratory Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An upper respiratory infection (in-FEK-shun) is also called the common cold. It is an infection that can affect your nose, throat, ears, and sinuses. The common cold is caused by a germ called a virus. There are many different cold viruses. The virus that caused your cold is contagious (kon-TAY-jus). This means it can be easily spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing, or touching hands.
  
  
• You may have a runny nose or nasal congestion (kon-JES-chun), which is a stuffed up nose. You may also have a fever, headache, body aches, or tiredness. Other signs and symptoms include coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, and red, watery, or sore eyes. There is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotic (an-ti-bi-OT-ik) medicine is not used to treat illnesses caused by a virus, such as the common cold. For healthy people, the common cold is usually not serious and does not need special treatment. Signs and symptoms should go away in seven to fourteen days. You may continue to cough at times for two to three weeks after getting a cold.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of what medicines you take and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines. Ask your caregiver to tell you about the side effects of the medicines you are taking. Some medicines can upset your stomach or make you unable to sleep.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver which type of cough medicine is best for you. Do not take any medicines without first talking to your caregiver. Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping, or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: You may be given antibiotics (an-ti-bi-OT-iks) to fight an infection (in-FEK-shun) caused by bacteria (bak-TE-re-ah). Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine as ordered until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill the germs causing your infection. If you think your antibiotic is not helping or you are having side effects, call your caregiver.
  
  
• Decongestant: Ask your caregiver if you should take a decongestant (de-kon-JES-tant) to treat your stuffy nose. Always follow dose instructions on the label when taking this medicine. Ask your caregiver what is the right amount (dose) to take. This medicine may make you feel restless or unable to sleep.
  
  
• Ibuprofen and acetaminophen: You may use ibuprofen (eye-bu-PROH-fen) and acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen) to treat your fever and body aches. You may use aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them only if you are over 18 years old. These may be bought as over-the-counter medicine at grocery stores and drug stores. Do not take ibuprofen if you have kidney disease, ulcers (sores in your stomach), or allergies to aspirin.
  
  
• If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

How can I take care of myself at home?

• Rest: Rest until your fever is gone. Get plenty of sleep. Your caregiver will tell you if you should not go to work.
  
  
• Drink liquids: Drink eight to ten cups of clear liquids such as water, ginger ale, tea or fruit juices each day. If you are vomiting (throwing up), good fluids include decaffeinated sports drinks. The water, sugars and salts in these drinks can prevent dehydration (dee-heye-DRAY-shen) in most people. Dehydration means that you are losing too much body fluid.
  
  
• Gargle: To help your sore throat feel better, gargle with warm salt water. Make salt water by adding one fourth teaspoon salt to one cup warm water. You may also suck on hard candy or throat lozenges (LOZ-enjs). You may use a sore throat spray.
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat healthy foods from all of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. It may also help you feel better faster. If your throat is very sore, try eating foods that are soft or in liquid form such as broth, soups, or puddings.
  
  
• Take a warm bath or shower: This may help decrease body aches. A steamy shower may help unplug your nose so you can breathe easier. Use a cool-mist humidifier (vaporizer) to increase air moisture. This will also make it easier for you to breathe. Do not use a warm-mist humidifier.
  
  
• Be careful not to blow your nose too hard: This may cause a nosebleed.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Call your caregiver if you have a surgery or procedure scheduled: Do this if you have an appointment for a surgery or procedure in the next week. Tell the caregiver that you have a cold. The surgery or procedure may need to be done at a later time.

How can I prevent spreading my cold to others?

• Avoid crowded places, especially in the winter.
  
  
• Do not share food or drinks with anyone. Do not share hand towels with household members.
  
  
• Wash your hands often, especially after you blow your nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
  
  
• Wash your hands after touching someone who has a cold.
  
  
• Try to stay away from other people during the first two to three days of your cold. Your cold is most contagious (spread most easily) while you are feeling bad or have a fever.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a sore throat that gets worse. You see white or yellow spots in your throat.
  
  
• Your cough or cold symptoms get worse after three to five days. Call if your cold is not better in ten to fourteen days.
  
  
• You have a rash anywhere on your skin.
  
  
• You have large and tender lumps in your neck.
  
  
• You have thick, greenish or yellowish drainage from your nose.
  
  
• You cough up thick yellow, green, gray or bloody mucus.
  
  
• You have vomiting for more than 24 hours and cannot keep fluids down.
  
  
• You have a bad earache.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your cold or your medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You start having bad headaches, stiff neck, or if bright light hurts your eyes.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have trouble thinking clearly.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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