Brochure - Viral illnes Rx Pad - adults

Symptom Relief for Viral
Illnesses
1. DIAGNOSIS

2. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Cold or cough

Drink extra water and fluids.

Middle ear fluid (Otitis Media with
Effusion, OME)

Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline
nasal spray to relieve congestion.

Flu

For sore throats in older children
and adults, use ice chips, sore
throat spray, or lozenges.

Viral sore throat
Bronchitis
Other:

Use honey to relieve cough.
Do not give honey to an infant
younger than 1.

You have been diagnosed with an illness caused by
a virus. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. When
antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and
the side effects could still hurt you. The treatments
prescribed below will help you feel better while
your body fights off the virus.

3. SPECIFIC MEDICINES
Fever or aches:
Ear pain:
Sore throat and congestion:
Use medicines according to the package instructions
or as directed by your healthcare professional. Stop

4. FOLLOW UP
If not improved in ____ days/hours, if
new symptoms occur, or if you have
other concerns, please call or return
to the office for a recheck.
Phone:
Other:

the medication when the symptoms get better.

Signed: ________________________________________________________
To learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use,
visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.