Upper Respiratory Infection
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? 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. For healthy people, the common cold is usually not serious and does not need special treatment. Cold symptoms are usually worst for the first three to five days. Most people get better in seven to fourteen days. You may continue to cough at times for two to three weeks after getting a cold.
What causes a cold? 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 are more likely to get a cold in the winter and if you are feeling stressed or tired. It may be easier for you to get a cold if you smoke cigarettes or have allergies, such as hay fever.
What are the signs and symptoms of a cold? You may have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Chills and fever. The fever may last for one to three days.
- Headache, body aches, or sore muscles.
- Runny or stuffed up nose.
- Decreased hunger or thirst.
- Red, watery, and sore eyes.
- Sneezing and coughing.
- Sore throat. You may become hoarse (lose your voice) for a few days.
- Tired or restless.
How is a cold treated? There is no cure for viral illnesses such as the common cold. The following are things you may do to help yourself feel better when you have a cold:
- Get lots of rest. Antibiotic (an-ti-bi-OT-ik) medicine does not work to treat illnesses caused by a virus. Take acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen) for fever, sore throat, and body aches. You may need medicine for your cough or nasal congestion (kon-JES-chun).
- Keep warm. Use a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer to ease your breathing and unplug your nose. Drink eight to ten cups of hot or cold liquids each day and eat healthy foods. Follow your caregiver's advice if you cannot drink this much because of a medical condition.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands after blowing your nose. This prevents spreading your cold to other people. Do not share food or drinks with anyone. Try to stay away from other people during the first two to three days of your cold. To help keep from catching a cold, stay away from crowded places, especially in the winter.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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