Respiratory infections: what you need to know now

Coughs, sore throats, and chest congestion are annoying — but not every cough needs antibiotics or a ER trip. Most respiratory infections are viral (common cold, flu, RSV, COVID), so medicines like penicillin or cefadroxil won’t help. Knowing the difference between viral and bacterial signs saves time, money, and avoids unnecessary drugs.

How to tell what’s happening

Start with symptoms and how fast they came on. Viral infections usually begin with sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and a cough that builds over a few days. Fever can happen but is often low-grade. Bacterial infections (strep throat, some pneumonias) can bring higher fevers, a very painful throat, one-sided chest pain, or a cough that suddenly gets worse after a few clear days.

Red flags — seek urgent care or ER: trouble breathing, lips or face turning blue, severe chest pain, fainting, confusion, or a fever over 39°C (102°F) that won’t come down. If you have COPD, asthma, heart disease, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor sooner; complications can come faster.

Treatment tips and safe medicine use

If a doctor suspects a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help. That might include oral drugs like cefadroxil for some infections or IV options like vancomycin in severe cases — but those should only be used under medical supervision. Don’t order antibiotics online without a valid prescription; fake or wrong meds can be dangerous.

For asthma or COPD patients, rescue inhalers matter. If your inhaler (Albuterol/Ventolin) is hard to find, use your written asthma action plan: use a spacer, try a nebulizer if you have one, and contact your clinic for an emergency refill or alternatives. Our guides on Pharmstore.com explain safe Albuterol alternatives and how to buy Ventolin online when supply is tight.

Home care works for many cases: rest, hydrate, steam or humidifier for chest congestion, throat lozenges, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches. Avoid antibiotics for viral illnesses — they won’t shorten the cold and can cause side effects or resistance.

Prevention is straightforward: stay current with flu and COVID vaccines, wash hands, improve indoor ventilation, and stay home when you’re contagious. Masks can still help in crowded or high-risk settings.

If you want clear, practical reading next, check our specific guides on Albuterol alternatives, buying Ventolin safely, and how to order antibiotics online the right way. Those articles walk you through risks, legal issues, and safe options so you make smart choices when respiratory problems show up.