URTI: Prevention and Complications

Prevention Tips

•  Reduce contact with people who may have the infection (people may carry and spread the virus a few days before they have symptoms and a few days after their symptoms have resolved);
• Proper cleaning of common objects (fomites) that are touched by individuals who may be infectious such as, telephones, refrigerator door, computers, stair railings, door handles, etc.;
• Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; and vaccination with flu vaccine as recommended for certain people (elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, health care workers, etc.)
• Unless ventilation is good, avoid shared space with people who are ill with infections spread through tiny-droplets.
• Wash your hands after greeting someone with a viral infection or after handling an object held by someone infected. 
• Encourage children to wash their hands. Kids are more likely than adults to spread infection within a family.
• Keep at distance to people who are coughing, sneezing or have a ‘runny nose’, and when appropriate wear (or ask them to wear) a disposable mask.
• Wash hands regularly, before meals, and after direct contact with potentially contagious people, animals, blood, secretions, public places and bathrooms
• • Do not share drinking bottles, cups, towels, etc with other infected people.

Watch Out

• Coughing blood
• Sputum (phlegm) becomes dark or rusty coloured

When to See Doctor

When to call a doctor
Most URTIs do not cause complications. A URTI may trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Consult a doctor if symptoms do not start to ease within a few days, or if you suspect that a complication is developing.

• If fever, wheezing or headaches become worse or severe
• If you develop: fast breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pains
• If you cough up blood or if your sputum (phlegm) becomes dark or rusty coloured
• If a cough persists for longer than 3-4 weeks
• If you have recurring bouts of URTI