• Viral infection affecting the lungs
• Symptoms may include cough, fever and nasal discharge
• Spread by breathing infected droplets from the air or by direct contact with infected person or objects
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but most common in infants
• May be mild to severe
• May be life threatening

Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke

FOR COUGH

• Increase fluids (especially water)
• Suck on cough drops or hard sweets (candy)
• Use a cool air humidifier in room
• Avoid lung irritants such as smoke, household cleaners or allergens
• Over-the-counter cough medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Guaifenesin
  • Dextromethorphan

FOR FEVER

• Apply cool cloth to forehead or armpits
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin (Do not give to children or adolescents)

FOR NASAL CONGESTION

• Increase fluid intake
• Breathe moist steam from a hot shower or bowl of water
• Apply hot packs or compresses to face
• Clear your nasal passages with an approved nasal device
• Elevate your head while sleeping
• Over-the-counter medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage)
  • Decongestants
  • Saline nasal sprays

FOR SORE THROAT

• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Use a humidifier
• Use saltwater, gargle several times a day (½ – 1 teaspoon of salt to 250 ml/1 glass of warm water)
• Suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, or popsicles
• Over-the-counter pain medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage)
  • Acetaminophen