Upper Respiratory Infection
Alternate Names : URI
What can be done to prevent the infection?
Many cases of upper respiratory infection cannot be prevented. Almost all URIs
are contagious, so avoiding sick people can help prevent some cases. Frequent
hand washing can also help reduce the spread of many URIs. Vaccines are used to
help prevent some cases. For example, the flu shot can be given to high-risk
individuals every fall to help prevent the flu.
What are the long-term effects of the infection?
Most URIs are mild
and go away with or without treatment. However, some URIs can be more serious
and may have long-term effects. For example, untreated strep throat can lead
to kidney damage or rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart.
Acute
otitis media can result in hearing loss. Severe croup and
epiglottitis may be life-threatening. URIs can also put people at
risk of getting
pneumonia, which may be life-threatening, especially in the elderly
and very young.
What are the risks to others?
Most upper respiratory infections are highly contagious. They are transmitted
through respiratory secretions. Sneezing and
coughing can spread these droplets. The germ can also be passed on when
an individual with an upper respiratory infection touches his or her nose and
then handles an object that another person later touches. The second person can
then pick up the germ from the object and transfer it into his or her own
respiratory tract by touching the face.
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