Complete Guide to Acute Respiratory Infections (ARVI and ARI): Symptoms, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor

Jul 20, 2024

3 min read

Acute respiratory infections (ARVI and ARI) are among the most common ailments affecting people of all ages, especially during the cold season. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and knowing when to seek medical advice is crucial for effective management and recovery. Here’s an in-depth look at these infections.

Symptoms

Acute respiratory infections can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including:

Runny or Stuffy Nose: Often one of the first signs, caused by inflammation of the nasal passages.
Sore Throat: Irritation and pain in the throat due to viral or bacterial infection.
Cough: Can be dry or productive, helping to clear the respiratory tract of mucus. Can last up to 2 weeks or more.
Sneezing: A common response to nasal irritation.
Fever: Indicates the body is fighting an infection, with temperatures ranging from mild to high.
Headache: Often accompanies fever and congestion.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired due to the body's efforts to combat the infection.
Muscle Aches: Common, especially with flu-like infections.
Chills: Often occur with fever as the body tries to regulate its temperature.

Treatment

Effective treatment of acute respiratory infections involves a combination of home care and, if necessary, medical intervention:

Rest: Essential for the body to heal and fight the infection.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and broths, helps to thin mucus and prevent dehydration.
Over-the-counter Medications: Pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help manage fever and aches, while decongestants and antihistamines can alleviate nasal symptoms.
Warm Gargles: Saltwater gargles can soothe a sore throat.
Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can ease respiratory symptoms and help maintain mucous membrane moisture.
Balanced Diet: Consuming nutritious foods to support the immune system.

When to See a Doctor

While most cases of ARVI and ARI can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant medical attention:

High Fever: Persistently high fever (above 39°C or 102°F) or fever that does not respond to medication.
Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain.
Persistent Cough: A cough that lasts more than two weeks or is accompanied by green or bloody mucus.
Severe Sore Throat: Difficulty swallowing or significant throat pain that doesn’t improve.
Ear Pain: Possible sign of a secondary ear infection.
Confusion or Lethargy: Especially in children and the elderly, indicating a possible severe infection.
Worsening Symptoms: If symptoms worsen after initial improvement, it may indicate a secondary bacterial infection.

**Taking antibiotics without tests and a doctor's prescription is dangerous!**

**Steam inhalations are NOT recommended. Not only are they completely ineffective, but you also risk burning your respiratory tract.**

**Inhalations are prescribed by a doctor based on specific indications and are performed using a special nebulizer with a mask (either pediatric or adult) with the addition of medications. If you do not have such a nebulizer, we at iO Clinic offer it for rent for the duration of your treatment (3-5 days).**

Prevention plan - vaccines

In Kazakhstan, we are accustomed to seeing two types of seasonal flu vaccines:

Grippol® Quadrivalent – This is an inactivated vaccine that contains only antigens from several strains of the flu virus and cannot cause the disease. It is approved for use from 6 months to 60 years of age. For children under three years old and individuals with immunodeficiency conditions, the vaccine is administered in a dose of 0.25 ml twice with a 4-week interval.

Influvac® – This is a trivalent (or quadrivalent) subunit inactivated vaccine against the influenza virus, consisting of surface antigens (HA, NA) from influenza type A and B viruses. Vaccination is given in a single injection.

Conclusion

Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and knowing when to seek medical help are key to managing acute respiratory infections effectively. Most cases are mild and resolve with proper home care, but being vigilant about severe symptoms can ensure timely medical intervention when necessary. Stay informed and take care of your health during the cold season to minimize the impact of these common infections.

To schedule a doctor's appointment at iO Clinic, call 24/7 at: +7(701) 03-333-63