What is Viral Respiratory Infection

Viral respiratory infection is an illness that affects parts of the body that are used for breathing. These include the lungs, nose, and throat. It is caused by a germ called a virus.

Some examples of this kind of infection are:

• A cold.
• The flu (influenza).
• A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.

A person who gets this illness may have the following symptoms:

• A stuffy or runny nose.
• Yellow or green fluid in the nose.
• A cough.
• Sneezing.
• Tiredness (fatigue).
• Achy muscles.
• A sore throat.
• Sweating or chills.
• A fever.
• A headache.

Follow these instructions at home:

Managing pain and congestion

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water. Do this 3–4 times per day or as needed. To make a salt-water mixture, dissolve ½–1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Make sure that all the salt dissolves.
• Use nose drops made from salt water. This helps with stuffiness (congestion). It also helps soften the skin around your nose.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.

General instructions

• Rest as much as possible.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not use any products that have nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Get a flu shot every year. Ask your doctor when you should get your flu shot.
• Do not let other people get your germs. If you are sick:
  • Stay home from work or school.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often. Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick during cold and flu season. This is in fall and winter.

Get help if:

• Your symptoms last for 10 days or longer.
• Your symptoms get worse over time.
• You have a fever.
• You have very bad pain in your face or forehead.
• Parts of your jaw or neck become very swollen.

Get help right away if:

• You feel pain or pressure in your chest.
• You have shortness of breath.
• You faint or feel like you will faint.
• You keep throwing up (vomiting).
• You feel confused.

Summary

• A viral respiratory infection is an illness that affects parts of the body that are used for breathing.
• Examples of this illness include a cold, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
• The infection can cause a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, and fever.
• Follow what your doctor tells you about taking medicines, drinking lots of fluid, washing your hands, resting at home, and avoiding people who are sick.