When to Seek Treatment for Respiratory Infections

Now based in Elberton, Georgia, Dr. Joshua “Josh” Estep previously leveraged his MD at the Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport, Oregon. The attending physician at the hospital, Josh Estep, MD, treated patients for infectious diseases, including respiratory infections.

While COVID-19 is still a threat, there are other respiratory infections people should watch out for as well. These include influenza, colds, and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These infections cause varied symptoms, including fever, chills, sore throat, and runny nose.

Fortunately, many of these respiratory infections are not severe. If a person has contracted a respiratory infection, doctors often prescribe at-home care. Patients will typically feel better after resting, eating healthy food, and taking plenty of fluids. They can take over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to manage the pain or fever.

There are instances, however, when respiratory infections become severe, requiring medical attention. A person should book an appointment with their primary care provider if they have neck stiffness, extreme fatigue, dehydration, weakness in the arms and legs, and pain in the chest, stomach, or muscles. Another reason is if they have fever and headaches that do not go away, even with medication. If a person is experiencing difficulty breathing, has a fever over 105 degrees, has fainted, or is severely dehydrated, they should seek medical care immediately at the emergency department.