Respiratory Infections

When the last trimester arrives, it doesn't bring only holidays, Christmas, and New Year; it also comes with virus and respiratory infections. After (or almost)the COVID-19 era, people are much more aware of such respiratory infections.

Today, I will talk about influenza and some bacterial infections. The common cold or rhinopharyngitis starts with increased mucus production and some common symptoms, namely fever, cough, sore throat, itching eyes, red eyes, cough, body aches, etc. What should I do most of the time? Well, at this point, as many doctors before, they have probably already given the treatment consisting of rest and fluids. However, doctors who are on call in Puerto Vallarta (or another touristic area) understand the fact that the patients calling us because they feel unwell are, in fact, on vacation, and they need something more than fluids and rest. Some medications in the correct combination would help you feel better sooner.

On the other hand, it is also important to distinguish a bacterial infection from a virus infection. A bacterial infection usually would present with fewer symptoms; for example, it may present with only sore throat and cough or just cough and body ache alone, i.e., the signs and symptoms would depend on which bacterial infection is in your system and which anatomic area is affected. Why is it important to be differentiated? Because if you have a probably bacterial infection, many times you would need cultures from some secretions to be done before initiating any treatment, as well as would require the use of antibiotics (which have no value against virus) and many times, with the correct treatment you may recover sooner than a virus infection in comparison.

So, it is essential to go to a physician because there are totally different treatments for virus and bacterial infections, as well as there are many different antibiotics out there, and only a few are required for an uncomplicated respiratory infection vs. others needed to be used in the case of complicated ones. So, visit a doctor as soon as possible, and you will feel better soon and continue enjoying the astounding Vallarta. Y que viva Mexico cab…!!