Respiratory: Common Cold

Question 1

Flu vs cold Symptoms

Answer 1

Flu has more sudden onset, less nasal symptoms, higher fever, extreme tiredness

Often peaks in Feb, advise to get vaccine in fall

Question 2

Self-care exclusions for cold

Answer 2

Fever > 101.5
Underlying cardiopulmonary disease
SOB
Chest pain 
HIV
<9 months old
Frail, elderly

Question 3

non-pharmacological therapy for cold

Answer 3

fluids
rest
good diet
saline gargle
nasal irrigation
vaporizers

Question 4

For nasal congestion in cold can use…

Answer 4

oral or intranasal decongestants

Question 5

For rhinorrhea/sneezing in cold can use…

Answer 5

1st gen antihistamines

or

Intranasal ipratropium (RX)

Question 6

For pharyngitis in cold can use…

Answer 6

Benzocaine (avoid pt w/ allergy to local anesthetics)
Dyclonine HCL

don’t use longer than 2 days

Question 7

For cough in cold can use….

Answer 7

combo of 1st gen and decongestant may be effective

Question 8

Zinc info

Answer 8

has to be taken within first 48hrs , use every 2 hrs

Question 9

Biggest risk of OTC treatment of cold in children

Answer 9

incorrect dosing

Question 10

Updates to ages for cold products

Answer 10

FDA req don’t use < 2

Drug manuf put on box don’t use <4

Question 11

Call HCP in children if…

Answer 11

<3 months

Fever >24hrs in child <2
ear pain or sore throat
Symptoms don’t improve in 10-14 days