Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)

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Pharmacist

•  A pharmacist can recommend treatments to relieve symptoms, such as decongestants, nasal sprays, cough medicines, and throat lozenges (though evidence for their effectiveness is limited).
• Be mindful of treatments containing paracetamol or ibuprofen to avoid exceeding the recommended dose if taking these medications separately.

GP / 111

 Contact your GP or call 111 if you have symptoms of a respiratory tract infection and: 

• You feel very unwell, or your symptoms worsen
• You have a high temperature lasting more than 3 days
• You cough up blood or blood-stained mucus
• Your cough persists for more than 3 weeks
• You are pregnant
• You are over 65
• You have a weakened immune system (e.g., due to diabetes or chemotherapy)
• You have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung, or kidney disease

 Note: Severe symptoms may indicate pneumonia—seek medical attention promptly. 

• Symptoms of Sepsis (click here for more information)

• Symptoms get worse rapidly or significantly

• Feeling very breathless and unable to speak in full sentences (dyspnoea)

• Coughing up more than small dots or streaks of blood, or coughing up blood frequently (haemoptysis)

• Lips and/or tongue turning blue (cyanosis)

• New or worsening confusion and/or agitation

• Abnormal use of neck or other accessory muscles (e.g., shoulders, chest) to aid breathing

• Feeling of exhaustion while suffering with shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.

• Experiencing a persistent or spiking fever (above 38°C in most, 37.5°C in those with cancer or immunosuppression) that isn’t controlled with Paracetamol

• Experiencing chest pain, especially if it is sharp, worsens with breathing, or radiates to other areas

• Severe drowsiness, difficulty waking, or unresponsiveness

• Significant reduction in urine output, which could indicate dehydration or worsening systemic illness

If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the nearest Emergency Department as quickly and safely as possible. You may need to call 999 for an ambulance or consider alternative transport options, such as asking a friend or relative, or using a taxi or ride-sharing service.

Please note: Arriving by ambulance does not guarantee you will be seen sooner. All patients are assessed on arrival, and treatment is prioritized based on the urgency of their symptoms.

Common Symptoms of URTIs (including colds, flu, and COVID-19):

• Fever
• Headache
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Blocked or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Tight chest or wheezing
• Feeling generally unwell       

Fever: A fever typically resolves within 3 days. If your fever persists beyond this or does not improve, contact your GP for review. Out of hours, you can call NHS 111. 

COVID-19: If you have access to an in-date COVID-19 test, consider using it. Although routine testing is no longer required, some individuals at higher risk of complications may still qualify for free tests. COVID-19 is not treated with antibiotics. 

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable (you would have received notification of this from your GP), report a positive test to your GP or NHS 111 to be referred for antiviral treatment.

Nasal irrigation can be particularly beneficial for sinusitis and is often helpful for relieving symptoms in conditions that increase nasal mucus production, such as allergies, colds, and flu

• A well-known and reputable product for nasal irrigation is the NeilMed Sinus Rinse, which is widely available at pharmacies or online retailers (e.g., Amazon)

• A simple guide on using the NeilMed Sinus Rinse can be found on YouTube

Other nasal irrigation products are also available.
Note: This is not an advertisement or paid placement.

• Rest
• Drink adequate amounts of fluid (ideally water) to remain hydrated (adequate = not feeling thirsty.  Warm fluids, such as herbal teas or broths, may help soothe the throat and loosen mucus)
• Take simple analgesia (i.e. Paracetamol. Ibuprofen can also be used if appropriate, but it may not be suitable for everyone (e.g. those with certain stomach or kidney conditions). Check with a pharmacist if unsure)
• Honey – eat 1-2 teaspoons or mix it into tea or warm water (adult dose)
• Over the counter cough medicines –  evidence for their effectiveness is limited, but they may help reduce symptoms for some people. A pharmacist can recommend the most suitable option
• Avoid smoking, vaping and environmental irritants (avoid exposure to strong cleaning products, wood smoke, or other fumes that can irritate the lungs) 
• Inhaling steam can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion. Alternatively, saline nasal sprays or a humidifier can achieve similar effects with reduced risk 
• Wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing to prevent spreading the infection to others 

NHS UK - Respiratory Tract Infections

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-tract-infection/

NHS UK - Common Cold

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/

NHS UK - Flu

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

NHS UK - COVID-19

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/