Viral Infections, virus

Viral Infections

If you are diagnosed as having an illness caused by a virus, you will not be given an antibiotic. Antibiotic treatment does not cure viral infections and, in fact, may be harmful if given when not needed. Most viral infections last 7-10 days. The treatments below will help you feel better while your body's own defenses are combating the virus.

General Instructions

Rest until you feel in better health. Getting 8-10 hours of sleep when you are sick is helpful.

Drink at least four 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

Gargle to soothe a sore throat. A gargle can be made with ½ teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Sore throats can also be soothed with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges.

Use a cool mist humidifier to relieve congestion and moisten dry mucous membranes. Use a Steam Vaporizer to promote drainage of nasal sinuses.

If not improved in 7 days, a new symptom occurs, or you have concerns, call UHS at 275-2662 for a re-check.

Over-the-counter medications (OTCs)

Cold and flu medications relieve symptoms but do not actually kill viruses. Although you cannot kill a virus, you can take medications that will help you feel better, such as:

Petroleum jelly or skin lotion can ease chapped nose or lips.

Lozenges or cough drops may soothe a sore or dry throat.

Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen) relieve head and body aches, sore throats, and fever. If a fever is mild, bringing it down is not needed; a mild fever is one of the body's ways to kill the virus and is not dangerous. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin since it can cause Reye's Syndrome, a rare but often fatal condition.

Oral decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose, ear congestion, or popping in ears.

Nasal decongestants (nose sprays or drops) can relieve a stuffy nose. They should be used sparingly and not more than 3 days because of rebound swelling.

Nasal saline (salt solution) will help break up thick mucus blocking the nose & sinuses.

Cough syrups should be used only for certain kinds of coughs. If your cough is wet and productive, try sucking on hard candies or drinking something hot. Do not use a cough suppressant. For a dry, hacking cough, try a cough suppressant with expectorant to loosen up the mucus and ease your discomfort.

Reminder

Use medication as directed by your health care professional or the package instructions.

Never take left over or old antibiotics

Antibiotics do not kill cold or flu viruses, or help aches, pains, or fever.