URI (Upper Respiratory Infection): Teen

Overview

An upper respiratory infection, or URI, is an infection of the nose, sinuses, or throat. URIs are spread by
coughs, sneezes, and direct contact. The common cold is the most frequent kind of URI. The flu and sinus
infections are other kinds of URIs.

Almost all URIs are caused by viruses. Antibiotics won't cure them. But you can treat most infections with
home care. This may include drinking lots of fluids and taking over-the-counter pain medicine. You will
probably feel better in 4 to 10 days.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all
appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results
and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel
  better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before
  you increase the amount of fluids you drink.

• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol),
  ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on
  the label. No one younger than 20 should take aspirin. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious
  illness.

• Be careful when taking over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these
  medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not taking more
  than the recommended dose. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Use saline (saltwater) nasal washes to help keep your nasal passages open and wash out mucus and
  allergens. You can buy saline nose sprays at a grocery store or drugstore. Follow the instructions on the
  package. Or you can make your own at home. Add 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  to 2 cups of distilled or boiled and cooled water. Fill a squeeze bottle or neti pot with the nasal wash.
  Then put the tip into your nostril, and lean over the sink. With your mouth open, gently squirt the liquid.
  Repeat on the other side.

• Use a vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to your bedroom. Follow the instructions for cleaning the
  machine.

• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about
  stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

When should you call for help?

Call 911
anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Current as of: June 12, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.