Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) in Adults

An Upper Respiratory Infection

(URI) is another name for the
common cold. A cold is caused
by a virus that can settle in your
nose, throat or lungs. This causes
a runny or stuffy nose and
sneezing. You may also have a
sore throat, cough, headache,
fever and muscle aches. Different
cold viruses last different lengths
of time, but the average time is 2
to 14 days.

Treatment
There is no cure for the common
cold. Antibiotics may be used to
treat signs of a secondary
infection, but they do not treat
the cold virus. Try these tips to
keep yourself comfortable:
Get plenty of rest.
Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8 large glasses of fluid a day. Good fluid
choices are water, fruit juices high in Vitamin C, tea, gelatin, or broths and
soups. These help to keep mucus thin and ease congestion.
Use salt water gargle, cough drops or throat sprays to relieve throat pain. Mix
¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water for a salt water gargle
solution.
Use petroleum jelly or lip balm around lips and nose to prevent chapping.
Use saline nose drops or spray to help ease congestion.
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© Copyright December 7, 2012. The Ohio State

University Wexner Medical Center - Upon request all
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Page 2

Over the Counter (OTC) Medicines:

Take over the counter medicines as needed to ease your signs.
Read labels carefully.
Use a product that treats only the signs that you have. Ask your pharmacist
for recommendations. Be sure to ask about possible interactions with other
medicines you are taking.
Common medicines used to treat signs of a cold include:
 Antihistamines that dry secretions in your nose and lungs. Some of these
may cause you to feel drowsy. Talk to your pharmacist before use if you
have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate.
Names of some medicines in this group include:
 Diphenhydramine  Chlorpheniramine
 Brompheniramine  Clemastine
 Decongestants that tighten blood vessels in your nose to decrease
stuffiness and pressure. Use nasal spray decongestants for up to three days
only. Longer use can make congestion worse. Talk to your pharmacist
before use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or an
enlarged prostate.
Names of some medicines in this group include:
 Pseudoephedrine – kept behind the counter and requires identification
to purchase in limited quantities because it can be used to make illegal
drugs
 Phenylephrine
 Oxymetazoline nasal spray
 Cough suppressant, also called antitussive, such as dextromethorphan.
This medicine decreases your reflex and sensitivity to cough. This
medicine may be kept behind the pharmacy counter for purchase.
 Expectorant, sometimes called mucolytic, such as guaifenesin. This
medicine thins mucus secretions in the lungs to make it easier for you to
cough up and out.
Cold and cough medicines often contain more than one type of medicine.
Ask the pharmacist for help to confirm that you are not using more than one
product with the same or similar ingredient. For example, some cold and
cough medicines have acetaminophen or ibuprofen in them to help lower a
fever or ease muscle aches. Do not take extra acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) if the cold or cough medicine has it as an
ingredient. Too much medicine could be harmful.
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Take the correct dose as listed on the package. Do not take more than
recommended.

Use a Humidifier:
A cool mist humidifier can make breathing easier by thinning mucus. Do not use
a steam humidifier as hot water can cause burns if spilled.
Place the humidifier a few feet from the bed. Drain and clean each day with
soap and water to prevent bacteria and mold from growing.
Indoor humidity should not be above 50%. Stop using the humidifier if you
notice moisture on windows, walls or pictures.
You do not need to add any medicine to the humidifier.
If you cannot get a humidifier, place a pan of water next to heating vents and
refill the water level daily. The water will evaporate and add moisture to the
room.

See a doctor for care if you have any signs that give you concern, get
worse or last more than 10 days.

How to prevent the spread of colds

Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand
sanitizer often. Dry hands wet from washing with soap on a
paper towel instead of cloth towel.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid spreading germs.
Wipe down common surfaces, such as door knobs and faucet
handles, with a disinfectant spray.
Do not share cups or utensils.
Cough and sneeze
into your elbow

 Talk to your doctor or others on your health care team if you have any
questions. You may request more written information from the Library
for Health Information at (614) 293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.