Lifestyle Changes to Manage Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds and Influenza)
by
Ricker Polsdorfer, MD Colds and influenza will set you back for a while, but ordinarily resolve in 1 to 2 weeks. It's a good idea to isolate yourself for the first few days of your acute respiratory illness. This will help keep the spread of infection to a minimum. Taking extra care will help prevent the disease from spreading or worsening any other health conditions, especially if you are elderly or ill. Even a cold, and certainly influenza, can put you at greater risk of complications, such as heart or respiratory failure. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar balance will need extra attention. If you have heart or chronic respiratory disease or other chronic illness, adjustments in medicine or other treatments may be required to compensate for the added stress of the acute illness. General Guidelines for Managing Colds and InfluenzaGet plenty of rest and stay warm. Drink extra liquids. This helps give your body a chance to focus its energy on combating the disease. Also, be sure to eat well and provide your body with the proper nutrition it needs to help fight off the infection. Managing Respiratory CongestionKeep your airways clear of secretions, which will increase during your acute illness and could lead to pneumonia. If you smoke or have allergies or chronic lung disease, you may not handle these secretions well. There are several ways to help clear your airways of excess secretions:
Managing FeverAspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen reduce fever while they relieve body aches and headache. Other pain relievers do not lower fevers. Remember that children and adolescents should NOT take aspirin during a viral infection. Soaking in a lukewarm bath or warm swimming pool may also help you feel better. Warm water baths with temperatures around 80 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) are still well below your body temperature. This is a good way to lower a fever in a child only if closely supervised by an adult. Many other symptoms can be dealt with by taking certain medicines. When to Contact Your DoctorIf you have a common cold or influenza, you may need to ride it out with the measures listed above and over the counter medicines. However, be aware of these signs that your cold or influenza is transforming into a more serious condition:
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Last reviewed September 2018 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP | |
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