Is an upper respiratory infection contagious?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Upper respiratory infections are contagious to some extent, as they are mostly caused by common pathogens such as rhinoviruses, streptococci, bacteria, mycoplasma, and other infectious agents. Clinically, they encompass a variety of diseases, including acute rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, etc. These infections often spread through close contact and airborne droplets. Whether an individual gets infected mainly depends on the body's immune response. If a person has been vaccinated against a contagious disease and has developed antibodies, they generally will not be infected.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

The typical symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection include nasal congestion, coughing, swelling and pain in the throat, phlegm, and difficulty breathing. During the acute phase, it can also cause chills, high fever, and loss of appetite. It is important to determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria, a virus, or mycoplasma, and to treat it accordingly with targeted antibiotics or antiviral medications. Avoid eating highly irritating foods, measure body temperature twice daily, and treat the cause while managing the symptoms. Generally, one can gradually recover back to normal health within three to seven days.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have an upper respiratory tract infection?

What to do with an upper respiratory tract infection? Firstly, one should choose antimicrobial agents to treat the inflammatory response of the body, that is, anti-infection treatment. It is necessary to check routine blood tests, mycoplasma, C-reactive protein, or undergo sputum pathogen culture. If it is caused by mycoplasma infection, one can choose macrolide antibiotics. If it is due to common bacterial or viral infections, one can choose beta-lactam antibiotics, or some Chinese patent medicine preparations that clear heat and detoxify, all of which can treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract infection.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Does upper respiratory tract infection cause bleeding?

Upper respiratory tract infections can potentially cause bleeding. The so-called upper respiratory tract refers to the part of the respiratory tract from the throat upwards to the nose. It is highly susceptible to respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus, making it particularly prone to infection symptoms, also commonly referred to as the common cold. When the infection is severe, it can cause bleeding on the surface of the respiratory tract. For example, there may be blood in the nasal mucus or in the phlegm when coughing. These are symptoms caused by the infection and increased vascular permeability. Therefore, there is no need for excessive fear. Generally speaking, a respiratory tract infection can heal on its own within 7-10 days, and the bleeding symptoms will also improve as the infection resolves.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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How to treat upper respiratory tract infections

If an upper respiratory tract infection is severe, it is necessary to take anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications under the guidance of a doctor. The first and most important step is to identify the cause of the infection under medical supervision and then use medication accordingly, which is crucial. Additionally, it is advised to support the treatment by drinking more water, resting adequately, avoiding overexertion, and eating a bland diet without spicy, greasy, or cold and irritating foods. An upper respiratory tract infection may also be accompanied by fever. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, fever-reducing medications should be taken. Moreover, it is important to drink plenty of water to promote excretion. If the body temperature is between 37.5℃ and 38.5℃, physical cooling methods can be used. It is also recommended to rest well, frequently ventilate indoor spaces, and ensure air remains fresh and circulating.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can respiratory infections heal on their own?

Respiratory infections can be self-healing, usually in individuals who are physically strong or have a robust immune system. During an infection, drinking plenty of water, resting adequately, timely replenishing vitamin C, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising appropriately to enhance physical fitness, and dressing appropriately according to the weather can potentially lead to self-healing. However, for elderly and frail patients, the self-healing rate from respiratory infections is very low. They should be treated under the guidance of a doctor, actively taking anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications, as well as cold remedies. It is also important to ventilate rooms frequently to maintain fresh air circulation indoors, avoid overly dry environments, and keep indoor temperature and humidity at comfortable levels. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid spicy, greasy, cold, and irritating foods, and not to consume seafood to prevent exacerbating cold symptoms by promoting the production of phlegm.