The kids are back in school, and as the weather starts to cool off, upper respiratory illnesses begin to ramp up. This can mean more people are coughing, sneezing and blowing their noses. Getting vaccinated is the best way to stay healthy and help stop an upper respiratory illness, such as the flu, from spreading to others. Flu shots usually are offered in the fall, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your flu shot before the end of October each year. J.P. Johnson, physician assistant with Prisma Health CareToday Clinic, urges everyone to get their flu shot, especially those with lung conditions, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “I tell anybody with long-term lung issues or immune concerns to get a flu shot,” he said.
Most upper respiratory illnesses seen at CareToday are viral, meaning they come from a virus, not from bacteria. These viral infections tend to last a few days and usually do not need antibiotics to get better. Often, a stuffy nose or sore throat is caused by post-nasal drip, and treatment with over-the-counter antihistamines or a nasal spray, such as Flonase®, is enough to help the symptoms.
“However, there are times when you should see a health care provider. Sometimes a viral infection can set the stage for a bacterial infection to form. In that case, returning to the clinic for medicine is necessary,” Johnson advised. Coughing up green, red or brown mucus, along with a fever, means you may need antibiotics. A high fever and discolored mucus are signs an infection has developed.
“Antibiotics also have risks. Most common are allergic reactions or stomach problems,” Johnson said. That’s why most health care providers suggest treatment of mild upper respiratory illnesses with over-the-counter medicine first instead of giving antibiotics. However, people with COPD or asthma may need a different treatment plan. If Johnson hears wheezing in a patient’s lungs, he might prescribe a short course of steroids to calm the inflammation. “I explain that steroids suppress your immune system, so you need to have a noticeable benefit to taking them, such as to reduce wheezing,” he said.
There are antiviral medications available for upper respiratory illnesses. It is important to understand that antivirals don’t kill the virus; they help reduce virus reproduction. That’s why Johnson recommends patients seek help early, especially for flu and COVID, “Once the virus enters your system, it starts making copies. For this example, let’s say its goal is to race to a magic number of 100. With flu, that would take about 48 hours. With COVID, it takes around five days. If you come in and testing shows you have one of these, we can give you an antiviral, which will stop the virus from making copies. The sooner you stop it from making copies, the earlier you heal and start to feel better,” Johnson explained.
As flu season approaches, it’s smart to get vaccinated, watch for warning signs and visit your health care provider early if symptoms worsen. If you start feeling ill, especially with quick onset of body aches, fever or an unusual cough, see a health care provider right away. Early care often can stop mild upper respiratory illnesses from becoming serious.
The CareToday Clinic is open M-F from 7a.m.-10p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8a.m.-8p.m. No appointment is necessary, and treatment is available for all ages. In case of emergency, call 911, or go directly to the Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital emergency department.
