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Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) in Teens: Care Instructions

Respiratory system, including nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs.

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 contact 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.
  • Try 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. Do not give aspirin to teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but 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 nasal wash 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 homemade 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 vape, and avoid being around others who are smoking or vaping. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

When should you call for help?

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

  • You have severe trouble breathing.
  • You have rapid swelling of the throat or tongue.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
  • You have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
    • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
    • Passing only a little urine.
    • Feeling thirstier than usual.
  • You cannot keep down fluids or medicine.

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

  • You have a deep cough and a lot of mucus.
  • You are too tired to eat or drink.
  • You have a new symptom, such as a sore throat, an earache, or a rash.
  • You do not get better as expected.
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