Rhino Virus Infection: A Case Study

Mr. I is most likely to be suffering from a rhinovirus infection, which is also known as the common cold. The common cold is self-limiting and there are self-measures that can be taken. However, since the common cold is a viral infection, there are no treatments available that will cure the common cold but there are treatments available to help relieve the symptoms and that it usually lasts from two to 14 days but that most people recover within a week (NHS.uk, 2016).
The most appropriate management during the course of Mr. I’s illness are symptom relief and rest. Mr. I should have plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy food. Treatment options for Mr I’s symptoms include:
1. Aches, pains and fever can be treated with painkillers
Cold and flu can be soothed with an oral decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (e.g. Lemsip Cold).
3. Blocked nose can be remedied with a nasal decongestant (e.g. Otrivine Nasal Spray). Sinuses can be eased with an inhalant or vapour rub (e.g. Olbas oil, Vicks vaporub).
4. Cough suppressants such as pholcodine, codeine and dextromethorphan (e.g. Robitussin Dry Cough) can be used to treat Mr I’s dry, chesty cough as it aids by blocking the natural coughing reflex.
5. Sore throat can be relieved by sucking on a pastilles or lozenges (e.g. Strepsils Original, Tyrozets) to help lubricate the throat, reduces the irritation and prevent the throat from feeling dry and scratchy.
Mr. I can try some self-care tips to relieve his symptoms by inhaling steam to help loosen and bring up the phlegm, he can also gargle with salt water to relieve his sore throat by adding a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and spitting it out after gargling. Mr. I should drink plenty of fluids such as warm drinks containing lemon juice and honey to soothe his throat. He can also prevent the virus from spreading by using tissues and by washing his hands frequently, and should not be sharing drinks or cutlery with others (Boots Counter Intelligence Plus,