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Cold facts about upper respiratory infections

Each year we all face the prospect of catching a seasonal cold, flu or other upper respiratory infection. This year, we're likely to see more influenza than normal, due to the vaccine shortages experienced earlier in the season. Here are some cold hard facts about viruses, how they affect the body, and what you can or can't do about them.

Upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses that affect the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and upper airway. The viruses may be transmitted from person to person by direct contact or moisture from a cough or sneeze of an affected person. Influenza is not just a severe cold, but is caused by specific viruses and may produce the following symptoms: high fever, headache, aching, and upset stomach. Antibiotics do not affect viruses or shorten the course of the viral infection.

Although there are many viruses causing upper respiratory infections that vary in severity and duration, all are self limiting and will resolve themselves. There is no cure for a viral upper respiratory infection, but treatment will help relieve the symptoms. Per CDC recommendations, remember to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not into your hands. Put your used tissue in the waste basket and wash your hands with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Things to help when you have an upper respiratory infection (common cold):

• Rest. Get eight hours of sleep each night and more if you feel tired.

• Fluids. Drinking plenty of clear liquids is important to keep you hydrated, especially if you have a fever, i.e. 8-12 glasses of liquid per day.

• Moisture. Adding humidity to a room or hot shower steam can relieve dry mucous membranes.

• Nutrition. A good diet is important. If you don’t feel like eating, taking a liquid diet of soups and juices will help in maintaining good nutrition. Vitamin C may be taken in the form of juices or fresh fruits.

Specific treatment for relief includes:

• For fever, two Tylenol every four hours for fever and aches.

• For runny nose and Sneezing, antihistamines as directed.

• For sinus or ear congestion, decongestant as directed.

• For sore throat, gargle with warm salt water.

Cold and other respiratory symptoms usually last about 7-10 days. See your healthcare provider if the following symptoms occur:

• A sustained fever or fever greater than 101 degrees.

• Severe headache or pain in ears, facial bones, chest or abdomen.

• Cough with sustained production of mucous.

• Throat pain with white spots on throat and enlarged glands.

• Vomiting or diarrhea which continues for longer than 24 to 48 hours.

• Stiff neck or back with chills, high fever, headache, nausea or vomiting.

• Mental confusion and back pain.

The Clayton State Nurse Managed Clinic performs health assessments, provides immunizations, minor illness and injury management, gives allergy shots, performs laboratory testing, maintains student health records, and provides health education for Clayton States students, faculty and staff. Each Wednesday from 1-4 p.m., Dr. Ann Travis, family practice physician, is on campus to address individual medical needs.

— Terrilyn Lemons,
M.P.H,M.N., CFNP, R.N.
Instructor of Nursing
Nurse Managed Clinic
Clayton College & State University