MANAGING VIRAL URI SYMPTOMS
RPI Student Health Center
(518) 276-6287
September 2024
Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) aka “The Common Cold” are illnesses caused by one of a variety of different pathogens, including rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses like Covid-19
Most times, a cold can be managed at home without seeing a doctor.
Read on for more about URI symptoms, management, and warning signs.
Symptoms
In general, common cold symptoms match the following pattern:
Your symptoms may look similar or slightly different.
*** Please note that symptoms can last for more than 10 days. ***
Symptom Management
There’s no cure for viral URIs. Since they are caused by viruses, antibiotics will not be useful. Most viral URIs get better without any treatment within 7 to 14 days, though coughs may last longer. Treatment involves self-care and symptom management with over-the counter medications. Self-care can include the following.
- Rest - Your body needs rest to recover.
- Hydration - Water, juice, clear broth, warm lemon water, and tea with honey all can help relieve congestion and prevent dehydration.
- Humidifiers- Can add moisture to the air which can loosen up mucus and decrease irritation to sore throats, and stuffy noses. Try a steamy shower.
- Elevating the head of the bed or propping your head up with pillows- help relieve a cough that worsens when lying down.
- Warm liquids like soup/tea/honey and throat lozenges – Soothe a sore throat. You can also try a saltwater gargle (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water)
- Over-the-counter medications (listed below)- Relieve symptoms.
Medications
Listed below are some medications that may reduce the severity of cold symptoms but will NOT reduce the length of the cold.
Always use over-the-counter medication as directed and consult a health care provider if you have questions, especially if you have a chronic health condition or are taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
For Congestion and/or runny nose
Med
Active Ingredients/Mechanism of Action
How to use/Warnings
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) helps to liquify mucus, relieving congestion.
Follow package instructions
Phenylephrine (Sudafed) can relieve nasal discomfort or sinus congestion caused by colds.
Follow package instructions
DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Sprayed directly into the nose, Oxymetazoline (Afrin) reduces nasl congestion
If using twice daily as the manufacturer recommends must be careful not to use longer than 3 days as it can start to cause rebound congestion
For Cough
Products containing dextromethorphan (Robitussin and Delsym) helps suppress a cough.
Follow package instructions
MAY INTERACT WITH SOME MEDICATIONS FOR ANXIETY AND OR DEPRESSION
For Fevers, Aches, and/or sore throat
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) can help reduce pain or fever.
**Tylenol comes in many strengths, one pill may not be the right dose, check the milligrams on the packaging **
An adult dose is 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Motrin (Ibuprofen)can also help reduce pain or fever
**Motrin comes in many strengths, one pill may not be the right dose, check the milligrams on the packaging**
An adult dose is 600 mg every 6 hours as needed
Multisymptom medications
Some over-the-counter cold meds like DayQuil, Theraflu, and Mucinex DM are combinations of the medications listed above
**DayQuil and Theraflu have the same three ingredients. Please do not take simultaneously
Mucinex DM contains: Guifenesin + Dextromethorphan
Follow package instructions
MAY INTERACT WITH SOME MEDICATIONS FOR ANXIETY AND OR DEPRESSION
DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Check the specific components to make sure that you are not duplicating medications
Warning Signs – When to Schedule Appointment at the Student Health Center/ Your Primary Care Provider
If symptoms have NOT shown improvement within 7- 10 days
Fever of over 102 degrees for more than 3-5 days
Persistent cough for more than 10 - 14 days
Sore throat for more than 3 days with white spots visible on tonsils at the back of the throat
If you feel very ill (example: severe headache, very large/tender neck glands, widespread skin rash, shortness of breath, high fever)
If you have a known condition that suppresses the immune system
Emergency Symptoms – Call 518-276-6611 or 911
- Trouble breathing. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. New confusion.
If you are unsure if you need an appointment, or how to manage your symptoms, give us a call!
The Student Health Center is open between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, M - F. (518) 276 - 6287
