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Which Respiratory Infection Do You Have

Which Respiratory Infection Do You Have?

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As we head into the winter months, it’s not uncommon to see with patients diagnosed with at least one but sometimes multiple respiratory infections; the challenge is determining if you have COVID-19, flu, a cold, RSV, bacterial infection or just allergies. With each of them having similar symptoms, a thorough evaluation, testing and proper treatment is going to be very important. In addition, keeping up on available vaccines is vital.

The common cold

Many may get the common cold during the winter months and for the majority of cold-sufferers rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications and supplements are enough to help with symptom management since antibiotics are not helpful. Symptoms tend to last 7-10 days.

Flu

Flu season runs from October to May. We recommend that you get vaccinated against the flu without delay if you haven’t done so already. Between 3 and 11% of US residents, up to 41 million people, come down with the flu each season, with approximately 200,000 hospitalizations. In most cases, resting, drinking plenty of fluid, Vitamin C, and OTC symptom relief medication are the best treatments. If symptoms become more severe, we recommend seeking medical treatment immediately. For those who are 65 years and older, those with certain chronic conditions, children younger than 5 and pregnant women, early treatment with antiviral medications may be necessary to prevent serious flu-related complications and hospitalization. The medication works to reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the duration of the illness and prevent complications such as pneumonia. Testing to determine if you have the flu can now be done at home with newly approved home tests that are available for purchase at a pharmacy. Testing can also be done at an urgent care or ER. Most symptoms last 4 to 7 days but the cough and fatigue might continue for a couple of weeks.

Link to further information about flu: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719

RSV

We are hearing a great deal about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) on the news, but RSV is not a new virus. While it usually presents like mild cold symptoms in healthy adults and older children, in newborns, infants, immunocompromised or older adults, RSV can be life-threatening. In May 2023, the CDC approved the first vaccine to prevent the RSV infection for adults over 60 years old and it has since approved additional vaccines for pregnant women and infants.

In infants and young children, symptoms include congestion, runny nose, cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, loss of appetite and irritability. When the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, symptoms increase and can include difficulty breathing, severe cough, shallow rapid breathing, and bluish color to the skin. These symptoms are considered an emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms, when not severe, tend to last 7-14 days though the cough may linger.

Link to further information about RSV: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098

COVID-19

COVID-19 is still very much in the forefront of our minds as we continue to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its long-lasting impact on a significant population who become infected. We recommend that as soon as you are feeling any respiratory symptoms, such as nasal congestion or sore throat, that you first test for COVID. Four free COVID tests are available from the government again, and tests are also readily available for purchase at most pharmacies. For some people, it takes up to three days to test positive and you can be contagious during this period even if you are not testing positive.

We also recommend having a thermometer and pulse oximeter available. The type and severity of symptoms are wide-ranging from person to person. In addition, underlying medical conditions may increase the risk of serious illness. There are FDA approved medications for COVID but need to be started when symptoms first appear. In most cases, symptoms can be managed at home. However, if you experience trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, or changes in skin color, or pulse oximeter reading below 90%, emergency medical care is necessary. Studies have shown that being current on the vaccine schedule significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and helps to prevent hospitalizations. So if you are able, we recommend the COVID vaccine.

Link to additional information regarding Covid: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963

Bacterial infections

A viral infection can sometimes lead to a secondary bacterial infection, like a sinus infection or pneumonia. Bacterial infections can complicate and lengthen the time that you are sick. Changes or worsening symptoms after initially feeling better, including blowing or coughing up colored drainage or return of fever may indicate that you now have a bacterial infection. Treatment with antibiotics may be needed. If this occurs, a telemedicine appointment with your medical professional is needed so prescription medication can be prescribed.

Below is a symptom checker chart that outlines possible symptoms for each of the common illnesses described above. This may help determine the best treatment options. However, if you are under the weather, the best way to confirm the most appropriate treatment is with a discussion with your provider.

*Based on symptoms described here.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

This article was originally published in December 2022. It was reviewed and updated in December 2024.

Managing Colds And Flu

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Flu season starts as early as October and can last through April. For this reason, we recommend that you get vaccinated against the flu if you haven’t done so already. We recommend that you wait a minimum of 2 weeks before getting any other vaccine. Or if you have just received another vaccine, wait 2 weeks before getting the flu shot.

Many may get a cold during the winter months, and for the majority of cold-sufferers, rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications are enough to help them recover. But winter sickness can mean something more serious for the 3-11% of US residents that come down with the flu each season, with approximately 200,000 hospitalizations attributed annually to flu-related complications.

Basic Flu Prevention Recommendations

In addition to getting a flu shot, there are other precautions that you can take to lower your risk of contracting the flu or to shorten the duration of any respiratory illness.

Dr. Kaplan offers the following basic flu-prevention steps:

  1. Get a preservative-free flu shot. (We recommend that you wait a minimum of 2 weeks before getting any other vaccine. Or if you have just received another vaccine, wait 2 weeks before getting the flu shot.)
  2. Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
  3. Keep unwashed hands away from your mouth and eyes.
  4. Use a friendly cleaner to wipe down doorknobs, phones, your mouse, and keyboards.
  5. Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hours is optimal for most).
  6. Drink plenty of fluids – water is needed for your body to clear toxins and helps to thin secretions.
  7. Make wise nutritional choices, including limiting your consumption of alcohol, refined carbohydrates, and sugar, all of which lower immune system functioning.
  8. Exercise regularly, preferably outdoors. Exercise is great for an immune system boost.
  9. Take some deep breaths and meditate, it can boost your immune system significantly.
  10. Talk to your provider about whether periodic vitamin IV’s would be right for you.

Homeopathic Remedies and Supplements

Homeopathic remedies and supplements can be very effective in preventing flu infection, & they can be used in combination with other remedies. We have found the following products to be particularly useful in helping to prevent colds & flu. Please check with your provider to see which ones may be right for you.

  • Take 5000 IU’s of Vitamin D3 daily. Have your Vitamin D-25-Hydroxy level checked every 3 months and aim for a level between 50 – 80.
  • Oscillococcinum – ½ a tube a week through the flu season (October – April).
  • Monolaurin – 2 pills twice a day through the flu season.
  • Probiotics– Increase the intake of probiotics. 70-80% of your immune system cells are found in the gut. Certain probiotic strains have been shown to reduce the risk of acquiring common cold infections so take a high-quality probiotic or better yet, include fermented foods in your diet. Ask your provider how to start to include these in your diet or supplement regimen.
  • Take a high-quality multivitamin.

Many of the supplements above are available to buy from our online store. We offer the highest quality supplements from manufacturers that have been vetted. Consumers should always buy supplements from a trusted source as they are not regulated by the FDA. 

Treatment Strategies If You Do Get Sick

At the first sign of winter respiratory problems, there are several products you can take on your own to minimize the seriousness of an infection, including influenza. We’ve listed several below with general instructions.

Please note: if you are sure you have the flu, we usually recommend taking Tamiflu, a prescribed, antiviral medication that the Centers for Disease Control has determined is effective in treating flu. This medication must be started within the first 48 hours of experiencing flu-like symptoms. For personal guidance as to whether this would be helpful in treating your symptoms, please call our office. In any event, if you get sick with a fever of 100.5 degrees or more, please call the office at 703-532-4892, so we can give you our immediate personal assistance.

If you are already taking medication for another medical condition, you should check with your provider before taking any of the remedies described below. We also do not recommend that anyone take all of these products simultaneously, so ask your provider which combination of products would benefit you most.

Herbal Remedies:

Dispel Invasion – Take at the first sign of infection (sore throat, sneezing, fever, chills, or joint pain). Recommended dose: Take 6-8 drops in warm water every 4-6 hours for the first 1-2 days. If taking pill form, take 2 pills 3x/day for 5 days. Patients with Lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases should not take this herbal product.

Sambucol – This product boosts the immune system and supports the respiratory tract. In addition to tablets, Sambucol is available as a cough syrup. Dosage: Take as directed by product packaging.

Monolaurin – This supplement can be taken both as a preventative and treatment method because of its ability to strengthen the immune system and fight infections. Dosage: As a treatment method, take 3 pills, 3x/day or as directed by your provider.

Homeopathic Remedies:

Oscillococcinum – Take at the first signs of flu to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of your illness. It will not make you drowsy, and it has no known drug interactions. Recommended dosage for acute illness: Take 1/2 tube 3 times/day for the first 3-5 days of the flu.

Umcka – Strengthens the immune system and is pleasant tasting and safe for children. Dosage: Take 6-7 drops in water every 3 hrs, but do not take for more than 5 day in a row. Patients with Lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases should not take this product. NOTE: Do not take Dispel Invasion & Umcka simultaneously.

Supplements:

Zinc Lozenges – There is strong evidence that zinc in lozenge form reduces the severity of symptoms of the common cold. Recommended dose: Dissolve in mouth, 3-4 times daily.

Vitamin C – A powerful immune system booster that you can take as soon as you suspect you are coming down with a respiratory illness. Dosage: Take 3000 mg./day during symptoms. People who are prone to nausea should look for a buffered Vitamin C as it is more gentle on the gut and will not cause an upset stomach. For others, we recommend liposomal Vitamin C, which is better absorbed by the body.

There’s a lot you can do to minimize your risk of flu or respiratory illness but prevention from infection isn’t guaranteed. Therefore, if you do develop flu-like symptoms this winter, make sure to see your provider right away to discuss the most effective treatment options available.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

Be Prepared for Covid

Preparing for COVID-19 and Immune Boosting

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Experts are predicting that many of us in our communities will contract the COVID-19 virus at some point in the next year. So what can you do to prevent getting sick? What do you do if you get sick? Here is some specific guidance:

Prevention:

Please click this link for a complete list of ideas, supplements and herbs for preventing colds and flu. Remember, we’re still in the middle of the flu season!

Here are some other things you can do to be prepared:

  • Make sure you have a working thermometer
  • Have a 30-day supply of all prescription medications
  • If you have a history of asthma, make sure you have an unexpired inhaler
  • Have food in the house for two weeks including foods you like when you’re sick. Check out our e-book with nutrient-packed recipes.
  • Have Tylenol available to reduce fevers. Don’t use NSAIDS like Advil which have been linked to worsening symptoms
  • Nyquil, Dayquil, Mucinex are all helpful over the counter medications for symptom relief
  • Have a saline nasal spray like Ocean Spray to rinse out your nose
  • Consider a consultation with our acupuncturist/ Chinese herbalist Rebecca Berkson, L.Ac. to be prepared with herbal medicine for COVID-19

If you do get sick:

Remember, this is cold and flu season so every cough, sniffle, and sneeze is not COVID-19. We want to appropriately use emergency rooms so we do not overwhelm our medical system. In addition, we do not want you to be exposed to people with COVID-19.

The vast majority of people who will get sick with COVID-19 will have mild to moderate symptoms and will need to stay at home to recover. We are not sure how long after having the disease you are still contagious. The estimates from experts are between 10-37 days.

Over the years, our office has used a number of strategies to boost the immune system. The following are things that have been used for other viral infections and may be helpful for COVID-19.

These are strategies that might help to boost the immune system:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, go to https://washyourlyrics.com/ to create a washing guide with your favorite song lyrics.
  • Stay hydrated, drink at least ½ of body weight (in ounces), for example, if you weigh 130 lbs, your daily water intake should be about 65 oz.
  • Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hours), put your electronic devices to sleep at least one hour before you go to bed
  • Take a multivitamin that contains zinc, selenium, and vitamin C.
  • Relax and breathe! Relaxation and meditation can boost the immune system.
  • Please don’t watch the news all day long!!
  • Limit processed sugar consumption, as it weakens the immune system. Choose fresh fruits over desserts and ice cream.
  • Exercise, take a walk outside. Maximize your vitamin D exposure and absorption in the morning hours and take a vitamin D supplement if you’re deficient.
  • Talk to your doctor about Vitamin IVs
  • Cook with plenty of garlic, onion, fresh or dried herbs (especially oregano, thyme, and rosemary), and coconut oil, as well as foods rich in antioxidants.
  • Talk to your doctor, herbalist or nutritionist about supplements.

COVID-19 is a novel illness and we do not have any data showing evidence of protection or treatment with any supplement. There have been studies showing effectiveness on other coronaviruses, such as SARS. Some of these are listed below. Please make an appointment with your doctor, nutritionist, or acupuncturist/herbalist to personalize for your needs.

  • Monolaurin: 1800-2400 mg per day
  • Bioflavanoids / Quercetin
  • Vitamin C, oral: 3g per day
  • IV Vitamin C: requires a physician’s order
  • N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): 100 mg
  • Vitamin D: 2,000-5,000 IU per day
  • Zinc: 25-35 mg
  • Garlic supplement: Allicin 400-500 mg
  • Selenium: 200 mcg
  • Chinese herbal medicine, requires an appointment

If you are having difficulty finding these supplements in stores, food as medicine is the best way to get them in their most natural and absorbable form.

Click here for a reference guide on food sources for a variety of immune-boosting nutrients.

We are working hard to stay updated on the most current information in order to provide you with the best care. The Kaplan Center family is here for you as we go through these challenging times together. Please contact our office if you have any questions (703)532-4892.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

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