Diagnosis: Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (Common Cold)
Your symptoms of mild fever, runny nose, foul-smelling phlegm, and sore throat are consistent with an uncomplicated viral upper respiratory infection (URI), which requires supportive care only—not antibiotics. 1, 2
Clinical Reasoning
Your presentation fits the classic pattern of viral URI:
- Mild fever with respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sore throat) occurring together is the hallmark of viral infection 2
- Foul-smelling phlegm can occur with viral URIs due to stagnant mucus and does not automatically indicate bacterial infection 1
- The combination of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and sore throat without severe symptoms points to a self-limited viral process 3, 1
Most URIs are caused by viruses (rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, influenza) and resolve spontaneously within 5-7 days, though symptoms may persist beyond 10 days 1, 4
Recommended Treatment
Supportive care is the only evidence-based approach:
- Guaifenesin to help loosen phlegm and make cough more productive 1, 5
- Adequate hydration to thin mucus secretions and support natural clearance 1, 5
- Saline nasal spray for nasal congestion to prevent crusting and facilitate mucus removal 1, 5
- Honey for cough suppression (if not diabetic or allergic) 1, 2
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and throat pain 2, 6
What NOT to Do
Do not take antibiotics. 1, 2, 5 Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections and cause unnecessary side effects including diarrhea, allergic reactions, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Your symptoms do not meet criteria for bacterial infection requiring antibiotics 7, 8, 4
Red Flags Requiring Medical Evaluation
Seek medical attention if you develop any of these warning signs:
- Symptoms persisting beyond 10 days without improvement or worsening after initial improvement (suggests bacterial sinusitis) 3, 1, 2
- Fever persisting beyond 3-5 days or fever returning after resolution (suggests bacterial superinfection) 1, 2
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 1, 2
- Chest pain or severe headache with facial pressure 1, 2
- Severe sore throat preventing swallowing or breathing 3
Expected Course
- Fever typically resolves within 24-48 hours 1
- Respiratory symptoms peak at days 3-6 then improve 1
- Complete resolution usually occurs within 7-10 days, though mild cough may persist longer 1, 9