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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Available OTC. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.AntiviralsAntiviral medications are available for certain URIs caused by viruses. These medications target specific parts of a virus to prevent it from multiplying. You’ll need a prescription for these medications.baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)oseltamivir (Tamiflu)peramivir (Rapivab, available via IV)zanamivir (Relenza)molnupiravir (Lagevrio)nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid)remdesivir (Veklury, available via IV)Generally, antivirals are most effective when started soon after you become ill.AntibioticsAntibiotics are medications that kill bacteria or slow down their growth. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor to obtain antibiotics.There are many types of antibiotics, and each has its own mechanism of action. Examples of antibiotics include amoxicillin, azithromycin, and levofloxacin.Antibiotics treat only bacterial URIs, such as strep throat, whooping cough, and bacterial sinus infections. They are not effective against viral URIs.In addition to the medications above, self-care treatments can help you manage URIs at home. These include:getting plenty of restmaking sure to stay hydratedpropping your head up with pillows while you sleep to allow mucus to drainusing a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air to help with coughing or congestiongargling with warm salt water to soothe a sore throattrying out nasal irrigation with a saline solution to help with a runny or stuffy noseusing honey to ease cough or sore throat (but do not use this in children under 1 year old)considering taking an oral zinc supplement if you have a cold, as it may reduce the length of your illness by a few daysYou can take several steps to avoid contracting a URI, including:staying up to date on vaccinations that can protect against URIs, such as those for:fluCOVID-19RSVpertussis, which is part of the Tdap and DTaP vaccinesreducing close or prolonged contact with people who have a URI, when possiblewashing your hands often and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not availableavoiding touching your nose, mouth, or eyes if you have not recently washed your handsregularly cleaning high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertopspracticing physical distancing or wearing a mask if you’re at a higher risk
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