Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)

Advice for over the winter season

As you will no doubt be aware there are many circulating viruses, including the new circulating virus and the influenza virus, causing lots of coughs, colds and sore throats, temperatures, nausea and headaches currently in and around Weymouth.

Many patients present with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections with an expectation that antibiotics are necessary to help them improve.

These infections are predominantly viral, and antibiotics do not work on viruses.

Resources

The attached file below is useful guidance regarding upper respiratory tract infections and their expected time scale and symptoms that would indicate you need medical advice:

Treating Your Infection - Respiratory Tract Infections Leaflet

For example, a cough can unfortunately last for a matter of weeks and there is little that can be done to hasten this recovery and time is often the best medicine.

The healthier together website has excellent advice when children are unwell.

However, if your symptoms are deteriorating and you have symptoms in the box on the right hand side then please do not hesitate to reconsult

Regards,

Cross Road Surgery

Published: Jan 8, 2025