6 Pro Tips for Remedying Common Viral Respiratory Illnesses at Home

Viral respiratory illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 affect most people at some point in life, but knowing how common they are doesn’t make you feel any better when you’re suffering. 

At Armstrong Telehealth, we focus on helping our patients get better and get back to their life as quickly as possible. Our experienced practice founder, Nikki Armstrong, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, offers both chronic disease management and acute care, such as for viral infections, via telehealth appointments.  

Our convenient telehealth visits make it easy to get the medical care you need, but we also help our patients take steps of their own to ease discomfort and promote faster recovery. Here are our top six tips. 

1. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids when you’re battling a cold or virus — and know that not just any fluids will do. We recommend plain water, herbal tea, or even warm broth. 

Fluids help thin mucus, which can help you feel better faster. Avoid caffeine, however, as it can cause dehydration and make you feel even worse. 

2. Rest and relax

When you’re sick, rest is the best way to help you heal. Relaxation helps your immune system fight harder and more efficiently. Ultimately, it means that you feel better faster and that you’re less likely to spread your illness to others. 

3. Adjust the temperature and humidity

Keeping your room warm, but not too hot, can help you feel better. A too-cool room may make you feel worse, especially if your respiratory illness causes chills. 

In addition, you might need to place a humidifier next to your bed. This helps keep the air moist and can make it easier to breathe when you’re struggling.  

4. Try saltwater gargling

If you have a sore throat or nasal congestion, simple solutions like a saltwater gargle or nasal spray can help ease your symptoms temporarily. A saltwater gargle soothes your throat, while a saltwater nasal spray loosens clogged sinuses. 

In fact, a recent study shows that saline regimens can significantly reduce COVID-19 symptoms and may reduce the risk of hospitalization. 

5. Be careful with OTC medications

We always discuss over-the-counter medications with our patients during telehealth appointments. It’s true that these medications are nonprescription, but they can still be strong enough to cause some problems if you use them incorrectly. 

We recommend the specific OTC medications that you can take safely, and we can also provide prescriptions for other medication you may need to help you recover quickly and safely. 

6. Remember: Prevention is key 

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Taking steps to prevent illness, starting now, can help you avoid feeling this way again. 

Vaccinations are a core part of prevention, but other steps like frequent handwashing and avoiding people who are sick can also go a long way. 

Taking the proactive steps we’ve discussed above can make a huge difference in your recovery when facing viral respiratory illnesses, and you can always set up a flu/sick visit. If you develop new symptoms or need some guidance, call us at 937-657-0757 or book your appointment online now.