With an infection of viral etiology, prophylactic antibiotic therapy should be withheld because of the risk of secondary infection with a resistant organism, toxicity of drugs, expense, and confusion with improperly treated bacterial infections. Antibiotic prescription in these situations is a poor substitute for frequent clinical observation and appropriate cultures. If bacterial etiology is suspected, cultures should be taken and antibiotic therapy begun. This should be terminated in five days if clinical or culture results are negative. Upper Respiratory Infection Rhinorrhea, pharyngitis, and sinus congestion compromise the patency of the Eustachian tube and, in the aviation environment, predispose to middle ear disorders such as vertigo or bacterial infection.
Treatment is symptomatic with rest, increased fluids, and antihistamine therapy.
The aviator is grounded until he has been off medication for 24 hours and proof of normal tympanic membrane motion is obtained. In recurrent illness, an allergic process should be sought. The military community is considered a high risk group for influenza. Influenza B causes mild flu symptoms. The vaccination program should be scheduled so that the entire unit is not incapacitated at the same time.