Breathe Easy: Self-Care for Respiratory Symptoms
NOTE: The information provided on this page is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency treatment. You should not use any information on this page to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider.
How to tell the difference between flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the common cold
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 | RSV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aches | Sometimes | Often | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Difficulty Breathing | Rarely | Rarely | Often | Sometimes |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Often | Often | Rarely |
| Fever | Rarely | Often | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loss of Taste or Smell | Rarely | Rarely | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Sore Throat | Often | Sometimes | Often | Rarely |
| Wheezing | Rarely | Rarely | Rarely | Often |
Take care of yourself!
Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids, and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently and wear a mask around others until symptoms resolve.
- Rest - Your body needs rest to heal.
- Hydration - Water, juice, clear broth, warm lemon water with honey all help loosen congestion and prevent dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas because they can worsen dehydration.
- Nutrition - Eat a well-balanced diet. If you're not hungry, just make sure what you do eat has nutritional value, or take a multivitamin or vitamin supplement. Vitamins known to boost the immune system include B, C, D, and Zinc.
- Avoid - Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs because they impair your body's immune system.
- For sore throat:
- Moisture - A humidifier or vaporizer can add moisture to the air which can loosen up mucus and decrease irritation to sore throats and stuffy noses. Try a steam shower.
- Soothe - A salt-water gargle (¼ tsp salt dissolved in an 8oz glass of warm water), cough drops, and sipping on honey in hot tea or broth can help soothe a sore throat and improve congestion.
- For sinus pressure or congestion:
- Elevate - Elevating the head of the bed uses gravity to help sinus drainage.
- Breathe - Breathing in steam for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day may also relieve congestion.
Cough
- For a dry cough (not coughing up phlegm)
- Cough suppressant containing dextromethorphan (Robitussin® DM or Delsym®)
- This should be used primarily at night to decrease cough so you can sleep
- Cough suppressant containing dextromethorphan (Robitussin® DM or Delsym®)
- For a wet or productive cough (coughing up phlegm)
- Expectorant: Mucinex® tablets or plain guaifenesin syrup, also known as Robitussin®
- Take at least 600 mg of the active ingredient guaifenesin, twice a day
- This thins the mucus so it's easier to cough up the mucus
- Expectorant: Mucinex® tablets or plain guaifenesin syrup, also known as Robitussin®
Fever/Headache/Muscle Aches
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
- You can take up to 500-650mg every 4-6 hours
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®)
- You can take up to 600-800mg every 8 hours
Nasal Stuffiness
- Saline nasal spray or a Neti Pot
- Nasal steroid sprays: Flonase® or Nasacort®
- Decongestant: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®)
- Prolonged use > 3 days may worsen symptoms
Runny and/or Itchy Nose/Sneezing
- Nasal steroid sprays: Flonase® or Nasacort®
- Antihistamine: Benadryl®, which will likely cause drowsiness
- Loratadine (Alavert®), which is not as likely to cause drowsiness
Sore Throat Pain Relief
- Try throat sprays (Chloraseptic®)
Antibiotics. These attack bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Make a visit with a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- High fever (Temperature > 101°F for > 72 hrs)
- Ear pain
- No improvement in symptoms for more than 10 days
- Severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain
- Personal risk factors such as asthma or diabetes
Schedule a visit with Student Health Services in the Student Health Portal or by calling (626) 395-6393.
See available after hours virtual care resources and off-campus weekend care locations.
Please view the COVID-19 Information Center.