Fashion Trendz: This Year's Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

his year's upper respiratory infection has proven to be the trendy disease to get this year. The infection, which is lasting for 2 to 6 weeks on average, is accompanied by many classic symptoms. While some people are contracting a nasal version of the disease, others are opting for the more chest-oriented type. And some folks are ending up with both sets of symptoms.

According to Dr. Selma Brookhaven, analyst and spokesperson for the Center for Infection Trends, this is also a high-quality infection. "We haven't seen this type of quality infection for a long time. When a person contracts this thing, there is no denying that they're sick."

Congestion and excessive coughing are among the most popular symptoms of this years infection. Also popular are low-grade fevers, sore throats, chills and body aches, lack of appetite, and general crankiness. Laryngitis is the least popular major symptom of this year's infection.

And, according to Dr. Brookhaven, mucus is really coming into its own right now. "We've never seen this much high-quality mucus before. People are having a lot of it, for an extended period of time. While congestion has always been the tried-and-true standby of the common cold, it really is making a stronger showing than ever this year."

Also proving trendy are over-the-counter cold remedies. "Of course, there's nothing new here. Cold remedies are always popular and they're only somewhat effective. But that doesn't keep people from flocking to the drugstore to pick up the latest cough medicine, or a packet of cough drops. And with this infection, the popularity of tissues has soared. People say that theyre going through three, four, and five boxes of them."

One sufferer, who would only identify herself as D, spoke with Fashion Trendz about her infection. "It started out as a sore throat, and then became laryngitis. After that, it settled into my nose for a lengthy stay. I've been blowing so much truly amazing snot out of my head that I've considered opening a small business to help get rid of it. This stupid infection finally turned out to be bronchitis, with a touch of a sinus infection."

And, according to D, there were some unexpected side effects. "I've been coughing so much, my ribs hurt. But I did get to take these cool maroon antibiotics."

Fashion Trendz asked Dr. Brookhaven for some parting remarks regarding this year's upper respiratory infection. "I'm not suggesting that anyone come down with this thing. Its pretty nasty. But if you do, know that you are getting one quality disease."