Viral Upper Respiratory Illness (Adult)

You have a viral upper respiratory illness (URI), which is another term for the common cold. This viral illness is contagious during the first few days. It's spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. It may also be spread by direct contact (touching the sick person and then touching your own eyes, nose, or mouth). Frequent handwashing will lower risk of spread. Most viral illnesses go away within 7 to 10 days with rest and simple home remedies. Sometimes the illness may last for several weeks. Antibiotics will not kill a virus, and they are generally not prescribed for this condition.

Home care

If symptoms are severe, rest at home for the first 2 to 3 days or as advised. When you resume activity, don't let yourself get too tired.
Don't smoke. If you need help stopping, talk with your healthcare provider.
Stay away from cigarette smoke (yours or others’).
You may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control pain and fever, unless another medicine was prescribed. Talk with your provider before taking these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease. Also talk with your provider if you've had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding, or you take blood-thinning medicines. Never give aspirin to anyone under 18 years of age who is ill with a viral infection or fever. It may cause severe liver or brain damage, or even death.
Your appetite may be poor, so a light diet is OK. Stay well hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of fluids per day (water, soft drinks, juices, tea, or soup). Extra fluids will help loosen secretions in the nose and lungs.
Over-the-counter cold medicines will not shorten the length of time you’re sick. But they may be helpful for cough, sore throat, and nasal and sinus congestion. If you take prescription medicines, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which over-the-counter medicines are safe to use. Don't use decongestants, if you have high blood pressure, without first talking with your healthcare provider.
If you are taking other prescribed medicine, contact your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.

When to seek medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

Cough with lots of colored sputum (mucus)
Severe headache; face, neck, or ear pain
Difficulty swallowing due to throat pain
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher , or as directed by your healthcare provider

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

Chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
Coughing up blood
Very severe pain with swallowing, especially if it goes along with a muffled voice
Feeling of doom
Feeling dizzy, faint, or confused
Lips or skin is blue, purple or gray in color

Online Medical Reviewer: Allen J Blaivas DO
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD

Date Last Reviewed: 1/1/2022