How to Protect Your Health This Respiratory Season (video/podcast)

From colds and flu to pneumonia and bacterial infections, respiratory illnesses can wreak havoc on your lungs and airways. While respiratory diseases stem from different types of viruses and bacteria, all disrupt your ability to breathe normally — often accompanied by a cough, sore throat and headache.

In this video, San Diego Health host Susan Tylor talks with Craig Uejo, MD, a preventive medicine physician and chief quality officer at Scripps Health, about treating and preventing respiratory illnesses as we head into cold and flu season.

The types and symptoms of respiratory illnesses range from mildly annoying to life-threatening. The following are the most common, along with their typical symptoms and treatments:

As the name implies, the common cold is something almost everyone has at some point; many of us have one or two colds a year. Symptoms of the common cold may develop gradually and include a sore throat, runny nose, congestion, sneezing, mild fatigue and perhaps a low fever.

Rest can be the most helpful treatment, along with lots of fluids to stay hydrated. Hot tea and chicken broth can help soothe a sore throat. Over-the-counter cold medicines can help relieve symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough and congestion. Colds typically last about a week.

Flu symptoms usually come on all at once and are more severe than a cold. “Oftentimes it feels like you got hit by a brick truck,” says Dr. Uejo. “Overnight you can get fever, chills, muscle aches, potential runny nose, sore throat and it can expand to much more dramatic symptoms as well.”

As with a cold, rest and fluids are recommended along with over-the-counter drugs to help symptoms. Recovery from the flu usually takes a few days, but you may continue to feel tired for several weeks.

RSV symptoms are similar to those of flu, but RSV is caused by a different virus. Milder cases may mimic a cold. RSV has been on the rise among kids, but most patients recover in a week or so.

COVID is still around, with symptoms similar to cold or flu. You may also have a temporary loss of taste or smell. Treatment is the same as with the other viruses.

Most people recover from respiratory illnesses without complications. However, these diseases can be severe or even fatal if patients also develop problems bacterial lung infections, such as pneumococcal disease or pneumonia. People under age 5, older than 65 or who have weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease can be especially at risk.

“Most respiratory illnesses resolve in a few days with rest and home care,” says Dr. Uejo. “However, if you have an upper respiratory infection that doesn’t improve or causes significant symptoms, call your doctor or go to an urgent care center or emergency care.”

Such symptoms include a deep cough that has moved into the chest (often producing a greenish phlegm), shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever that is not controlled with over-the-counter medications. Additionally, seek medical care if you are unable to eat or drink, or you have decreased urination or dark urine, which can indicate dehydration.

If you have young children, call your pediatrician if your child seems excessively tired, is not eating or drinking, or does not respond to you like they normally would.

“The most effective way of reducing your risk of respiratory illness is vaccination if there's a vaccine available,” says Dr. Uejo. “People a little older or younger, those with chronic illnesses, should all be standing first in line to get those vaccines, including influenza, COVID, RSV and pneumococcal vaccine. You can get the flu, COVID and RSV vaccines at the same time.”

In addition to getting vaccinated, avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible. Respiratory illnesses are highly contagious and usually spread through droplets sprayed when a sick person sneezes, coughs, or touches a shared object like a doorknob or dishtowel after touching their nose or mouth. Consider wearing a mask in crowded environments.

If you’re the one who is sick, stay home from work or school until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours and your symptoms are minimal. Wash your hands frequently, sneeze or cough into your arm or elbow and avoid sharing towels, bedding or utensils with others. Frequently wipe down countertops, handles and other surfaces with antibacterial wipes.

Ideally, take steps to try to stay healthy.

“Having a good diet, keeping up your water intake, hydration, getting rest, trying to reduce your stress and exercise,” Dr. Uejo says. “Those are all important to keep your immune system strong.”

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