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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Viral Infection Of Upper Respiratory Tract?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Mar 2015
Question: Hi I want to know a couple things...
1. When am i no longer contagious
- When can visit my newborn nephew...

2. what do i have?....been sick now 6 days.... At the start, bad general malaise, congestion, cough slight, yellow snot/phlegm, congestion, very ,tender throat glands
- symotoms much better, but still bleah in am when first wake up and "stuff" I cough up in am when i first wake up though. Still weak and fatigued easily but snot almost totally clear. Did cough up small chunk yellow this am but it took a minute of coughing (kind a forced wanted to see if I could get anything up). Throat glands no longer tender.

- stayed down and have not worked, rested, fluids, mucinex D, essential oils oregano/peppermint/OnGuard/frankincense.


So do I need antibiotics? Would they help at this point? What I'm doing seems to be working...

How do I know when I'm safe to visit my sister And her newborn? She needs help....

Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
it seems to be a viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

It seems that you are having a viral infection of upper respiratory tract.All your symptoms of cough with yellow phlegm,congestion,throat irritation ,general malaise are very suggestive for a viral infection.
This is a self-limiting condition that doesn't require specific treatment.It is an infection caused from a virus and antibiotics won't help.
In a common cold symptoms may last up to 2 weeks and then resolve completely.
In a viral infection of upper respiratory tract you may be contagious 2 days before the symptoms begin and up to 5-7 days after.

You don't need any specific treatment.Just rest,eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids.
You can do salt water gargle to ease your throat discomfort.Do some steam inhaler to lose the secretions in airways.
Since you symptoms began before 6 days ,most likely you are not contagious anymore but I would suggest to wait a couple of days more just to be sure you are not contagious.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (27 minutes later)
Thank you..... Not what I wanted to hear but helpful. Missing my new nephew!! :). God Bless
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
You are welcome.

You can see your nephew very soon.You can see him these days if you want to but be sure not to kiss him or cough near to him.
He will be fine.

Wish you a quick and complete recovery and a long,healthy life to your nephew.

Take care,
Dr.Rovena
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Viral Infection Of Upper Respiratory Tract?

Brief Answer: it seems to be a viral infection. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read carefully your query and understand your concern. It seems that you are having a viral infection of upper respiratory tract.All your symptoms of cough with yellow phlegm,congestion,throat irritation ,general malaise are very suggestive for a viral infection. This is a self-limiting condition that doesn't require specific treatment.It is an infection caused from a virus and antibiotics won't help. In a common cold symptoms may last up to 2 weeks and then resolve completely. In a viral infection of upper respiratory tract you may be contagious 2 days before the symptoms begin and up to 5-7 days after. You don't need any specific treatment.Just rest,eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids. You can do salt water gargle to ease your throat discomfort.Do some steam inhaler to lose the secretions in airways. Since you symptoms began before 6 days ,most likely you are not contagious anymore but I would suggest to wait a couple of days more just to be sure you are not contagious. Hope it helps. Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further. Kind regards, Dr.Rovena Murati