Acute viral respiratory infections (AVRI)

Acute viral respiratory infections (AVRIs) are the most common respiratory illness affecting all age groups across the globe and it is caused by viruses. Their onset of action is sudden and eradicated within a month from the body by the innate immune response.¹ Examples of viral respiratory infections are influenza, cold, COVID-19 infection, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) etc and It affects various parts of the respiratory system including the nose, throat, bronchioles and lungs.² It is diagnosed by physical examination and patient history. General symptoms that appear as a result of viral infection are cold, runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, body ache, and fatigue.² However, these infections are self-limiting and go away on their own once the duration is complete.¹

The best way to treat viral respiratory infection is by doing home care practices because viral infections can spread quickly through direct contact, sneezing and coughing therefore, it is important to keep yourself away from other people to avoid spreading of infection.³ You can stay at home and take all precautionary measures until the infection will completely go away. Rest and hydration, proper nutrition, over-the-counter medications, and maintaining hygiene; these are the best home care practices which you can opt to treat illness rapidly.³

Most commonly children, elders, pregnant women and immunocompromised people are more prone to AVRIs⁴ but in this review, we’ll talk about how teenagers can cope up against these infections and what are the home care practices to manage these infections in teenagers.

Home care practices to manage acute viral respiratory infections (AVRIs):⁵

The onset of acute viral respiratory infection is sudden and it may last up to 2-4 weeks. Viral infections can usually resolve on their own, if it is not cured within a month then you can talk to your consultant to diagnose the actual cause of the infection. These viral infections don't respond to antibiotics but there are some home care practices to manage and cure infection. These are:⁵

• Fluid intake
• Nutrition
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Maintain hygiene
• Mental and emotional support⁵

Fluid intake

Our body is composed of 60% water, it is a main component of cells and every cell needs water to function properly. That's why it is important to stay hydrated during illness so that your body can fight well from infections. In acute viral respiratory infections, the body is dehydrated and loses fluid because of fever, coughing, diarrhoea and vomiting.⁶

Fluid intake can make your body well-hydrated, decrease the mucus viscosity and it can also moisten the airways to decrease nasal irritation when coughing or breathing. Therefore, doctors may also recommend taking extra fluid and sometimes recommend fluid in the form of juices, soup, and electrolyte fluid.⁶

Nutrition  

Balance and a healthy diet play a beneficial role in increasing immunity and helps to fight diseases. Multiple studies and research show that an adequate amount of vitamins A, B, C, D and minerals including iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can improve the body's response against infection and decrease the risk of disease.^7,8

Role of vitamins and minerals in managing viral infections:⁷

A study shows that the consumption of food containing vitamins and minerals is helpful in enhancing the immune system. Some examples are nuts, seeds, dairy products ( milk, yoghurt), fruit juices, citrus fruit etc.⁷

Over-the-counter medicines⁹

The symptoms of acute viral respiratory infections that include fever, cold, cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose and nasal congestion can easily be overcome by using OTC medicines. These medicines are only approved for acute infection; in case of serious illness, your doctor will prescribe medicines. List of OTC medicines that are used for symptoms of viral infection:⁹

Apart from these medications, home remedies can also be used to subside symptoms and these are taking honey for cough, steam inhalation for nasal congestion, and making a herbal drink by using natural herbs for cough and flu-like symptoms.⁹

Maintain proper hygiene

An online survey conducted in Hong Kong shows that maintaining proper physical and environmental hygiene aids in managing and preventing infections. Physical hygiene includes washing your hands properly before and after touching your mouth, nose, eyes or any dirt area, it decreases 93.5% risk of infection.¹⁰ In environmental hygiene, clean your home, household items and surroundings with disinfectant and it reduces 92% risk of infection. Moreover, awareness programs regarding hygiene are also conducted for parents.¹⁰

Mental and emotional support

Mental and emotional support is important during the time of illness. Parents should provide their children with emotional or mental support to reduce their anxiety and stress so they can easily heal. Recent research shows that stress can exacerbate the symptoms of viral infections because stress has an impact on the immune system, it may slow down the immune response or symptoms become worse.¹¹

Monitor complications of AVRIs

AVRIs rarely cause any complications but monitoring is important. Sometimes acute viral infections can turn into secondary bacterial infections, for example, epiglottitis, pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and bronchitis and it causes severe consequences resulting in high morbidity and mortality rate. If viral infections don’t go on its time and symptoms still exist, consult with a doctor for further diagnosis.¹²

Preventive measures to control the spread of AVRIs

Individuals with acute viral respiratory infection should take care following steps to prevent the spread of infection. It includes:

• Stay at home or avoid contact with other people
• Keep your hand on your mouth when sneezing or coughing
• Wear a mask, maintain personal or environmental hygiene, and wash your hands properly
• If symptoms get worse, immediately consult with a doctor to take further steps
• Getting vaccinated against viral infection can also prevent the illness¹³

FAQS

What are the signs and symptoms of severe respiratory infection?

Following are the symptoms of severe respiratory infection:

• Recurrent fever
• Cough that don’t go away within a month
• Breathlessness
• Shivering
• Muscle pain

What is the difference between acute and chronic infection?

The onset of acute infection is quick and it is self-limiting. On the other hand, the symptoms of chronic infection persist for a longer time period.

Is there any vaccine available for viral respiratory infection?

Influenza vaccine for flu and RSV vaccine is available for viral respiratory infection.

Summary 

Acute viral respiratory infections (AVRIs), sometimes become severe and life-threatening illness and even death may occur. the most common symptoms of infection are fever, chills, headache, cough, nasal congestion, sore or scratchy throat and it is self-limiting therefore, the easiest way to treat these symptoms is by home care practices. It includes hygiene, OTC medicines, extra fluid intake, proper nutrition, and mental and emotional support. These practices not only treat the illness but also enhance the activity of the immune system to prevent future illness. However, if these home care practices cannot make you well or symptoms still exist, consult with your physician for further examination. Sometimes viral infection can turn into secondary bacterial infection and cause severe complications that is why close monitoring is important.