Managing Common Respiratory Infections

Differentiating Viral vs Bacterial

Most upper respiratory infections (URIs) are viral, requiring supportive care only. Centor Criteria help identify strep throat cases needing antibiotics. Procalcitonin levels can guide pneumonia treatment decisions, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use for viral cases.

Symptom Management

For viral URIs, honey outperforms cough medicines for symptomatic relief. Nasal saline irrigation reduces sinus symptoms duration. Fever under 102°F in adults rarely requires treatment unless causing discomfort, as it enhances immune response.

When to Seek Care

Warning signs include difficulty breathing, fever persisting beyond 3-4 days, or symptoms improving then worsening. Immunocompromised patients and those with chronic lung disease should be evaluated promptly for potential complications.

Prevention Strategies

Annual influenza vaccination remains the best prevention for seasonal flu. Pneumococcal vaccines protect against common bacterial pneumonia causes. Hand hygiene and mask-wearing during peak seasons reduce transmission risks significantly.

Antibiotic Stewardship

Unnecessary antibiotics contribute to resistance and side effects like C. difficile infection. Patient education about appropriate antibiotic use helps curb expectations for prescriptions during viral illnesses. Delayed prescriptions for borderline cases allow time for spontaneous improvement.