RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS (RTIs)

RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS (RTIs)

Respiratory tract infection (RTIs) is an infection that may interfere with normal breathing. It can affect just the upper respiratory system (sinuses and throat),hence called upper RTIs (e.g common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis). RTIs can also affects just the lower respiratory system (airways and lungs),hence called lower RTIs (e.g bronchitis, bronchiolitis,chest infection, pneumonia I.e lung infection). Lower RTIs tend to last longer than upper RTIs and can be more serious.

RTIs are often spread by coughing and sneezing by someone who is infected already.

SYMPTOMS OF RTIs
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This includes coughing (with mucus), sneezing, stuffy or running nose, a sore throat, headache, muscle aches, breathlessness, tight chest or wheezing, a high temperature (fever), felling general unwell.

THINGS TO DO

Ensure you; get plenty of rest, drink lots of water to loosen any mucus and make it easier to cough up, drink a hot lemon and honey drink to help soothe a cough (not suitable for babies), gargle with warm salty water if you have a sore throat (adult only), use an air humidifier or inhale steam from bowl of hot water without menthol or eucalyptus oil (children should not try this because of risk of scalding),raise your head up while sleeping using extra pillows to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus, use painkillers to bring down a fever and help ease a sore throat, headache and muscle pain (do not give aspirin to children under 16).

HOW TO AVOID RTIs ON OTHERS

Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands regularly, throw away used tissues immediately.

HOW TO AVOID GETTING AN RTI

If you are at risk of getting RTIs, you can ask your doctor about the annual flu vaccination (find it out if you are eligible for free flu vaccine),ask if you should have the pneumococcal vaccine (this help prevent pneumonia), stop smoking and drinking of alcohol.

Note:most RTIs get better without treatment, certain treatment are suitable for children, babies or pregnant women. A pharmacist can advise you on the most suitable treatment option.

See a doctor Today, if you feel very unwell or your symptoms get worse, you have heard a cough for more than 3 weeks, you are pregnant, you 'ready over 65, you've a weak immune system (e.g diabetic), you have long term health conditions (e.g heart, lung or kidney condition) or you cough up blood or bloodstained musuc. Doctor on duty is ready to attend to you always on airclinic App.