The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast REBOOT: #457 Cold and Flu Season: Upper Respiratory Infections
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Sep 1, 2025 Dr. Amber Bird, an academic general internist at Penn, engages in a thorough discussion about upper respiratory infections. She shares insights on diagnosing and treating common colds while emphasizing when to prescribe antibiotics judiciously. The conversation also navigates the overlap between COVID-19 and colds, as well as various effective home remedies. Dr. Bird highlights patient communication and education about vaccinations, offering strategies to manage infections in both children and adults. Her practical tips will enhance confidence in clinical practice.
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DIY Trim Bent My Garage Door
- Amber Bird shared a DIY failure where she bent her garage door installing trim and learned to respect trade skills.
- The story highlights limits of translating medical skill to home projects and the value of planning.
Choose Cough Agents Based On Symptom Type
- Use dextromethorphan for adult cough and consider guaifenesin for productive or reactive cough.
- Benzonatate has mixed evidence but may be tried cautiously in adults.
Avoid Combination OTC 'PM' Formulas
- Avoid multi-ingredient OTC combination PM meds and first-generation antihistamines unless specific symptom requires them.
- Instead, recommend single agents targeted to the patient's worst symptom.