SECTION II. RESPIRATORY DISEASES--UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
5-6.
GENERAL
There are many acute respiratory infections that are grouped together and given
a general title of Acute Viral Respiratory Diseases. They are associated with a large
number of viruses and each virus is capable of producing a wide variety of acute
respiratory illnesses. The greatest incidence of upper respiratory infections (URI)occurs
during the fall and winter months.
a. Signs and Symptoms. Upper respiratory infections are usually associated
with fever, chills, headaches, generalized body aches and pain (to include facial and
tooth pain), malaise, loss of appetite, possibly nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat,
and coughing. The signs and symptoms may last from 2 to 5 days.
b. Common Treatment. Treatment includes mild analgesic--acetylsalicyclic
acid (ASA) (asprin), rest, fluids, and light diet.
c. Preventive Measures.
(1) Isolation. Infected persons should avoid direct or indirect exposure of
others, particularly patients with other illness. Avoid crowding in living and sleeping
NOTE:
In some cases of mild upper respiratory infections, soldiers will not be isolated
from their barracks. If a soldier's condition deteriorates and hospitalization is
required, isolate IAW STP-8-91A12-TQ-SM, 081-833-0009, Identify Basic
Principles of Isolation Techniques.
(2) Oral vaccines. This has been proven effective against type-specific (oral
polio) infections in military recruits.
(3) Education. Inform individuals on personal hygiene (that is, covering
mouth when coughing, cover nose when sneezing).
(4) Disposal. Dispose of discharge from mouth and nose. Get rid of tissues
or whatever else is used to hold discharge.
5-7.
INFLUENZA (FLU)
Influenza is a highly contagious, acute disease caused by a virus. Recovery time
is between 2 to 7 days. Its mode of transmission is through direct contact--someone
coughing, failing to cover mouth or nose in crowded areas, or being in confined places
such as the barracks.
MD0550
5-9