What does RTI mean in CLINICAL MEDICINE

Common symptoms of RTI include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and feeling feverish. More severe cases may cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Yes. Those with weakened immune systems due to chronic conditions such as HIV or diabetes are at greater risk for developing RTIs. Similarly people who smoke cigarettes or have contact with someone who has an RTI are also at increased risk for contracting one themselves.

To reduce your chances of becoming infected by an RTI it's important to practice good hygiene habits including washing your hands often with soap and water and keeping distance from anyone who is displaying symptoms of an upper respiratory illness like coughing or sneezing. Additionally avoiding contact with people who have been recently diagnosed with an RTI is recommended to avoid becoming infected yourself.

Yes. Depending on what type of RTI you have been diagnosed with you doctor may recommend antibiotics if it is caused by bacterial infection or antiviral medications if it is caused by a virus. In some cases rest and fluids can help to treat more mild forms of the infection without the need for medication.

Unfortunately no vaccine currently exists for preventing all types of RTIs so practicing good hygiene as mentioned above is recommended to reduce your chances of becoming ill regardless of vaccination status. However some vaccines such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines can help prevent certain types of viral or bacterial infections respectively from occurring during outbreaks or epidemics.