Respiratory infections are on the rise - here's how to find relief
Have you ever woken up in the morning and suddenly realized you have a sore throat? Maybe your kids have come home from school with a cough and runny nose. In either scenario, there is a high likelihood that someone has a respiratory infection.
Respiratory infections are very common and can affect people multiple times throughout the year. They are caused by viral or bacterial infections and spread through contact with someone who is ill or by touching items that have come into contact with germ droplets.
According to Curtis Wolfe, MD, a physician with LMH Health Primary Care – South Iowa Street, respiratory infections have an incubation period of up to three days. During the incubation period, people are contagious after day two and in most cases, don’t show any symptoms. Symptoms generally appear when the body begins to fight the infection.
Common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Ear pain
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore Throat
- Trouble breathing
Curtis Wolfe, MD
“There are multiple types of respiratory infections,” Dr. Wolfe said. “The most common are rhinoviruses, or what we know as the common cold, which most people can catch up to two times a year.”
Differing types of respiratory infections
Respiratory illnesses fall into two main categories – viral and bacterial infections. The main differences between the two are the types of treatment and how long you might be ill.
Viral infections, also known as viruses, are the most common cause of respiratory infections. They include household names such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus, measles, mumps and rhinovirus.
“Viral infections tend to last up to 10 days and can, when they’re mild, respond well to over-the-counter medications,” said Dr. Wolfe. “Medications such as decongestants, cough suppressants and saline nasal sprays can help alleviate symptoms.”
Bacterial infections tend to be the respiratory infections that last longer and require medical attention. Commonly found bacterial infections include sinusitis, strep throat, staph infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.
“Bacterial respiratory infections can present with more and more severe symptoms than a viral infection,” said Dr. Wolfe. “In most cases, they last anywhere from 10 to 14 days and need a combination of prescribed and over-the-counter medications.”
As the infection progresses, individuals can expect muscle aches, chills, sweats and a fever.
Respiratory infections are also categorized by the area in which the infection is located. This allows for treatment to target the symptomatic areas, providing fast relief.
Dr. Wolfe explained that an upper respiratory infection affects the eyes, ears, nose and throat, while lower respiratory infections are primarily found in the lungs but can also affect parts of the throat. Both respond well to over-the-counter medications and you can experience timely relief. In some cases, a steroid or antibiotic is needed to provide relief from the symptoms of lower respiratory infections.
Who is most at risk? What should you do to get relief?
When you or someone you love needs care quickly, LMH Health Primary Care locations are here to help. Our walk-in care clinics are close to home, work or school when you need us most.
Visit lmh.org/walk-in-care for clinic hours and locations.
Everyone is at risk of catching a respiratory infection, but some groups are at higher risk. These include children who are in school or attend daycare, college students who live in close proximity with multiple people, and those living in nursing homes or long-term care centers.
“People with certain medical conditions are at higher risk of catching a respiratory infection. These include chronic diseases and lung or heart conditions, as well as those undergoing cancer treatment or taking immune system suppressants,” said Dr. Wolfe.
Once symptoms appear, take steps to prevent spreading the infection to others, such as coughing into your elbow or a tissue, frequent handwashing and sanitizing products you touch.
“If you are symptomatic, it is important that you do not share food or drinks,” said Dr. Wolfe. “It is also a good idea to replace your toothbrush. If you wear contacts, switch to glasses to prevent touching your eyes and developing an eye infection.”
If you only have two or three symptoms, begin treatment at home with over holistic or over-the-counter medications. This can reduce the duration of your illness.
“This is the time to try to identify where the symptoms are coming from and address them using targeted over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants and cough suppressants,” said Dr. Wolfe. “It is important to stay hydrated and prioritize getting six to eight hours of sleep in addition to any over-the-counter medications you take. Some people find that taking vitamin C, D or zinc can help with energy levels.”
How do you know when it’s time to talk with your doctor? If the infection begins to affect your sleep, your symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter medication, or they last longer than 10 days, it is time to contact your primary care provider or visit a walk-in clinic.
“If your body is struggling to fight the infection, that is where we come in,” said Dr. Wolfe. “We are able to run tests to figure out the exact type of respiratory infection it is and prescribe medication to target the infection and provide relief.”
In some cases, quick action is needed. If any of these symptoms occur, proceed to the Emergency Department or call 911:
- Chest pain without a cough
- Child 5 and under who has a fever over 102F that is not responding to medications (such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen) and has lasted 48 hours
- Fainting spell after coughing
- Struggling to breathe
“Choosing when and where to seek care for a respiratory infection does not have to be a struggle,” said Dr. Wolfe. “Listen to your body, call your provider if you have any questions and most importantly, focus on rest. The team at LMH Health is here and ready to help when you need us.”
