What are some of the main medical treatments for acute respiratory infections?

    Written by:
    Katie Jantz

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo, Dmitri Barvinok
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Most acute respiratory infections resolve on their own and do not require medical treatment, but rest and hydration are important for recovery. For symptom management, decongestants, NSAIDs, and antihistamines may help, and antiviral medications can be prescribed for high-risk individuals; antibiotics are generally ineffective for viral ARIs but may be necessary if a bacterial infection is confirmed.

    Most ARIs resolve on their own over time and do not require medical treatment, but it is always important to rest and stay hydrated to support recovery.[1]

    For symptom management in adults, the following may be helpful:[2][3]

    • Intranasal (i.e., sprayed up the nose) or oral decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine) can help reduce nasal congestion.
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) or acetaminophen can help with fever and sore throat.
    • Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine) may slightly reduce sneezing and runny nose.

    In the case of some ARIs, including flu and COVID-19, antiviral medications may be given to people at a higher risk of complications.[4]

    Although antibiotics are frequently prescribed for ARIs, they are usually not helpful because most ARIs are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Not only will antibiotics be ineffective for most ARIs, but they can also cause side effects like diarrhea and promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria that could cause a future bacterial infection that does not respond to standard antibiotics.[5] However, if a clinician determines that an ARI is bacterial, antibiotic treatment can be life-saving.[1]