Handouts
Respiratory infection self-care and red flags
At-home symptom care, hydration tips, and warning signs for urgent reassessment.
How to use this handout
Rest, drink fluids often, and use symptom medicines exactly as directed. Most viral respiratory infections improve without antibiotics.
Get urgent care now for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe dehydration, persistent high fever, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.
Contact your clinic if cough or fever is not improving in the expected time window or if you cannot follow the treatment plan.
Return precautions (patient script)
Suggested plain-language wording for safety-net counseling:
If symptoms get worse, new warning signs appear, or you cannot follow the plan from this visit, seek urgent care now.
- Use with the specific red flags listed on this page.
- Confirm follow-up timing and where to go after-hours.
- Document that return precautions were reviewed and understood.
Source and licensing
Original handout created for DrSonia. Stewardship and safety messaging aligned with Public Health Agency of Canada resources.