How To Get Rid Of Upper Respiratory Infection

9 Self-Care Tips for Upper Respiratory Infections

Last Updated: May 11, 2021

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When and How to Treat an Upper Respiratory Infection at Home

With more than one billion common colds in the United States every year, chances are good you'll have to grapple at some point with the annoying symptoms of an upper respiratory virus: nasal congestion, runny nose, and a scratchy throat. While a cold poses no serious health threat to an adult, an upper respiratory infection in babies can turn serious if they experience breathing difficulties due to severe nasal congestion or swollen tonsils. Learn when it's OK to treat an upper respiratory infection at home—and when to seek medical care.
1. See a Doctor About that Cold If…

In certain situations, you should not try treating an upper respiratory infection at home. Always seek medical attention for: Babies younger than 3 months with fever; babies or children with symptoms that impair breathing, causing the lips to turn a bluish hue; high fever (above 102 degrees F for children or 103 degrees F for adults) that does not resolve within 48 hours; or red, patchy throat or cold symptoms with a rash anywhere on the body. These symptoms could indicate an illness more serious than the common cold.
2. Drink Water, and Lots of It.

One good home remedy for an upper respiratory infection is advice you hear all the time: drink plenty of fluids. Water helps thin mucus, preventing it from sticking in the sinuses (where it can cause a bacterial infection) and throat, causing irritation and coughing. Water also helps disperse the cold virus in your blood, making it easier for your immune system to fight it off. You don't need to drink anything fancy, just water. But if it makes the remedy more palatable, feel free to add flavorings or fruit.
3. Go back to bed, seriously.

This advice rings especially true for viral upper respiratory infections. By going back to bed when you have a cold or the flu, you let your body devote all its resources to attacking the cause of your illness. Resting also can relieve symptoms like headache and muscle ache. Some people like to continue exercising while ill, but keep in mind that doing this taxes your body and might spread germs throughout your workout facility. What's more, you could contract another germ on top of the one you are already fighting off. It's probably better to take a couple of days off to treat your URI, and then you can hit the gym when you feel better.
4. Take medicine for your upper respiratory infection.

Most adults and children can safely take over-the-counter medications to relieve cold and flu symptoms like stuffy nose and body aches. Be careful not to combine multi-symptom cold relievers, though, as this can lead to getting too much of a single drug like acetaminophen. Never exceed the dosages listed on the product label. Products like mentholated rub can help open nasal passages. You also can try using saline nasal spray and room humidifiers to help you breathe easier, especially when sleeping.
5. Take a hot bath or shower.

Never underestimate the power of a hot bath or shower to help you feel better when you have an upper respiratory infection. The steam from a very warm bath will open nasal passages and allow mucus to drain better, and the water's heat will soothe muscle aches. Soaking in a hot bath or allowing warm shower water to rain down also might improve your mood and sense of well-being as you wait for your cold to subside. Of course, be careful with the water temperature, especially with children.
6. Enjoy a bowl of chicken soup.

Grandma may have been on to something when she brought you chicken soup for a cold. One research study found that certain compounds in chicken broth inhibit the body's inflammatory response—which contributes to relieving cold symptoms. Homemade chicken soup is best, but you can try any canned variety. More important, be sure to continue eating when you have an upper respiratory infection. Your body needs nutrients to power the immune system. Added bonus: soups with clear broth help you stay hydrated.
7. Take antibiotics as prescribed.

Antibiotic medications are an important upper respiratory infection treatment for illness caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus. Keep in mind that antibiotics don't work for viral infections like a cold or influenza. But if you or your child exhibits swollen tonsils or a distinctive red-and-white patchy throat, you might have a strep bacterial infection. Seek medical attention for these symptoms or if your cold doesn't clear up within a week. If you receive antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed, and be sure to take every pill in the bottle to fully cure your infection.
8. Antiviral medications can help with flu.

If you come down with symptoms of influenza, including sudden body aches, chills, fever and severe nasal congestion, go to an urgent care center or see your primary care provider within 48 hours of symptom onset. A healthcare professional can test you for influenza using a simple nasal swab, and you can receive an antiviral medication that not only reduces symptom severity but shortens the course of the illness. These medications don't work for the common cold, but they can be very helpful in combating true influenza.
9. Gargle with salt water.

To relieve a sore, scratchy throat when you have a cold or flu, try gargling with a salt water solution. Dissolve up to ½ teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and swish it around the back of your throat. Many people find this classic home remedy relieves throat soreness for several hours. Children may not be able to gargle properly, so don't give salt water to kids under 6. If warm salt water isn't your thing, try sipping tea or sucking on ice chips to soothe your throat instead.

9 Self-Care Tips for Upper Respiratory Infections

As "the nurse who knows content," Elizabeth Hanes, RN, works with national and regional healthcare systems, brands, agencies and publishers to produce all types of consumer-facing content. Formerly a perioperative and cosmetic surgery nurse, Elizabeth today uses her nursing knowledge to inform her writing on a wide variety of medical, health and wellness topics.

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Last Review Date: 2021 May 11

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.