Respiratory infections on the rise in the Boston area. Here's when to see a doctor
BOSTON - In a new feature called At the Clinic with Dr. Mallika, she tells us about some of the trends she's been seeing her urgent care clinic.
This week, she says she's seeing a lot of patients with respiratory infections that aren't COVID.
How do I treat respiratory infections?
We definitely experienced a surge in COVID cases this summer and continue to see some here and there, but a lot of people are coming in with viral symptoms such as sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and fever, and they're testing negative for COVID as well as flu and RSV. There have always been other viruses that cause cold and flu-like symptoms including adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, and enteroviruses that we generally don't test for.
The treatment involves rest, drinking lots of fluids, taking over-the-counter fever and pain reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants if necessary. Most people will get better on their own within seven to 10 days.
When should I see a doctor?
And you don't need to seek medical care unless you have worrisome symptoms like severe pain, shortness of breath, chest pressure, recurrent vomiting, or high fever. Test for COVID at home and if you're positive and at high risk, call your provider. And to prevent the spread of these illnesses, go back to the basics. Wash your hands often, wear a mask when around others, and stay home until you're 24 hours fever-free without medications and feeling better.
