Acute Respiratory Infections

Common Upper Respiratory Infections

• Wash your hands frequently
• Don't touch your face or eyes (that's how you catch a "cold") unless you've washed your hands
• Drink lots of fluids (8 glasses of water per day)
• Use Tylenol if you have a fever or muscle/joint aches
• Do not use aspirin/ibuprofen in children with chickenpox or influenza
• Use a decongestant for a few days if you are very congested
• Use saline nose sprays frequently if your nose is "plugged" or if you have thick mucous
• Get the flu shot if you're not allergic to the vaccine
• When viral infections are rampant, avoid large crowds or very crowded situations
• Don't smoke

Signs of Serious Infections

• High fevers over 103 degrees F.
• Difficulty breathing, chest pain, facial or ear pain
• Severe headaches, stiff neck
• Lethargy or somnolence (sleepiness)
• Coughing up thick, yellow mucous or coughing up blood
• Rash that looks like bruises

Those Who Need to Contact Their Doctor

• Those with symptoms listed above
• Those patients with other health problems — chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, seizures, those being treated for cancer
• The very young & the elderly — children less than 2 years old and those 75 years or older

Most respiratory infections are self-limited and resolve in a week or less. Viruses are the most common cause, and with the exception of influenza & RSV, anti-microbials are not used. Antibiotics are used only for bacterial infections, and the overuse/abuse of antibiotics has resulted in more germs being resistant. Remember, prevention is the best medicine.

If you have any questions, call your family doctor or contact our office: Omaha: 402-391-1800 Lincoln: 402-464-5969