The symptoms are obvious-scratchy throat, watering eyes, sneezing and coughing, and a slight fever.

Maybe it’s just the start of a cold or maybe it’s something more. It could be an upper respiratory infection such as Covid -19.

Here’s how you can avoid one, and what you should do if you have one.

Recognize the Symptoms

Often, an upper respiratory infection will mimic the symptoms of a cold.

The patient may run a slight fever, suffer from a scratchy or sore throat, and sneeze or cough often. They may complain about feeling slightly achy or chilled, just as with a cold.

A cold may certainly evolve into an upper respiratory infection if the patient continues to sneeze and cough, and this is especially true if someone near them has a cold and they happened to walk past while this person was in the throes of a sneezing or coughing “fit”.

Though they often are not caused by a bacterial infection, a viral infection can be a likely culprit as well.

Any time someone who suffers from emphysema or has had pneumonia begins to develop an upper respiratory infection, medical attention is necessary so the infection won’t worsen and turn into something far worse.

Asthma sufferers must also be careful around those with upper respiratory infections, as they are far more susceptible than the average person.

Avoidance and Treatment

One of the best ways to avoid an upper respiratory infection is to stay out of crowds.

This is especially true in fall and winter, when the weather and other conditions-such as children returning to school-may precipitate a more physically crowded environment.

Wash hands often with anti-bacterial soap or if soap and water are unavailable (such as when traveling) use an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer or hand-sanitizing lotion or gel.

Should a coughing or sneezing fit occur, cover the mouth and nose, and try to sneeze “into” the shoulder or elbow to avoid spraying with contaminated mucus or sputum.

If you work in a health-related field, wear a facial mask around the nose and mouth.

Also try to avoid large groups of children and the elderly, as these two age groups are far more susceptible to lung trouble and upper respiratory infections.

If the infection doesn’t begin to clear itself from the body within a few days, or if symptoms last longer than 14 days, seek medical attention.

Most respiratory infections are caused by an irritant in the mucus membranes of the nose or throat.

But sometimes the irritant can be viral or be caused by bacteria. If this is the case, a doctor may have to prescribe anti-biotic medication before the infection evolves into emphysema or pneumonia.

Upper respiratory infections can happen to anyone, but they are more likely to occur in the fall or winter months.

They are more likely to cause difficulties for small children, the elderly, or anyone who may already suffer from respiratory difficulties.

The best way to avoid infection is to frequently wash hands, avoid crowds, and seek medical attention when appropriate.

You can be the one to take control of your own well being.

In case, you have to roll out a few improvements in your dietary patterns and in your way of life, then do it!

I trust you will discover it to be well justified.

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