What is the primary management for a typical viral upper respiratory infection?

• A. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• B. Antifungal therapy
• C. Symptomatic therapy with analgesics and decongestants
• D. Systemic steroids

Answer: (C)

Viral upper respiratory infections are self-limited, so the main approach is symptomatic relief to improve comfort while the body clears the virus. Use analgesics and antipyretics like acetaminophen or NSAIDs for fever and throat or ear pain, and employ decongestants or saline nasal sprays to ease congestion. Emphasize fluids, rest, and humidified air as supportive measures. Antibiotics offer no benefit for a typical viral URI and can cause side effects or contribute to resistance, so they’re not used. Antifungal therapy isn’t indicated, and systemic steroids don’t improve outcomes in uncomplicated cases and carry risks. In uncomplicated viral URIs, focused symptomatic care is the best management.