Treatment for a patient with a possibly infectious upper respiratory disease should include

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Protecting the airway while reducing infection risk is the top priority when a patient may have an infectious upper respiratory disease. Airway protection matters because swelling, secretions, or rapid deterioration can obstruct breathing, so be ready to suction, position the patient for optimal ventilation, monitor breathing, and provide oxygen as needed. Use PPE consistently—gloves, mask, eye protection or face shield, and gown—to guard yourself and others from transmission.

Antibiotics should be used only when a bacterial infection is suspected and aligned with local protocols; many upper respiratory infections are viral, so antibiotics aren’t routinely indicated. When they are appropriate, give the proper antibiotic and integrate other supportive therapies. These therapies include adequate fluids, fever and pain control, humidified oxygen if hypoxic, bronchodilators for wheezing or bronchospasm, and other symptom-directed measures allowed by scope and guidelines.