Rest is an important element of recovering quickly from a respiratory infection. — TNS
Respiratory infections like colds, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are rising across countries in the Northern hemisphere as they currently experience winter.
When you get sick, it’s helpful to understand how to manage your symptoms effectively, especially if you’re at higher risk for complications.
Mayo Clinic family medicine physician Dr Tina Ardon offers tips for managing common viral illnesses and when to seek medical care.
Flu symptoms include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, body aches and fatigue.
These symptoms may overlap with other illnesses, like the common cold, but key differences exist.
Colds generally develop gradually, while flu symptoms typically appear suddenly within two or three days of exposure to the virus.
You can start your own treatment by using over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or cough suppressants to alleviate your symptoms.
Taking a steamy shower can help ease congestion and make breathing easier.
You can also try the following to help manage symptoms:
- Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential.
Drink plenty of water, juice, or warm lemon water with honey, to ease congestion and prevent dehydration.
Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated drinks.
- Use warm liquids
Sip chicken soup or warm tea to nourish your body.
You can also try warm apple juice to help with congestion.
- Try honey
Honey can soothe coughs in adults and children over one year old.
Add it to warm tea or lemon water.
- Rest
Your body needs time to heal, so plenty of rest is crucial.
“If you can, I highly recommend you stay home from school and work so your immune system can recover,” says Dr Ardon.
- Add moisture
Use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporiser to relieve stuffiness.
Clean and refill daily.
For people at higher risk of flu complications – such as older adults or those who are pregnant, have chronic conditions or weakened immune systems – consider discussing a care plan with your doctor before getting sick.
“If you’re at higher risk, we may recommend closer monitoring or additional care,” says Dr Ardon.
High-risk patients diagnosed with the flu might be prescribed antiviral medications.
These prescription drugs – available as pills, liquids, inhaled powders or intravenous (IV) solutions – target the flu virus directly and require a medical prescription.
It’s important to note that flu antivirals differ from antibiotics, which treat bacterial infections, and antiviral treatments for other illnesses like Covid-19.
Flu-specific antivirals won’t work for Covid-19 and vice versa.
While most respiratory illnesses resolve on their own, you should seek medical care if your symptoms worsen or if you experience any of the following:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or confusion
- Severe dehydration or weakness.
For children, also watch for:
- Fast breathing or blue lips
- No tears when crying or no urination
- Symptoms that improve, but then return or worsen.
Dr Ardon says recovering from a respiratory virus can be managed at home for most people.
However, she notes that: “Knowing when to get help can make all the difference.” – Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
