What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection?
An upper respiratory infection is an illness that can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. It can also cause a fever for the first few days. Upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses.
Types of Upper Respiratory Infections
Most upper respiratory infections are often referred to as the common cold. However, there are some viruses that cause more severe symptoms and may need specific treatments:
- Influenza (flu)
- COVID
- RSV
Acute Upper Respiratory Infection
An acute upper respiratory infection lasts fewer than 21 days. These frequent infections don’t need medical treatment. Your symptoms may worsen, but most people start to feel better after seven days.
Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms
You may notice different symptoms depending on the type of infection:
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Body aches
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Cough that can be dry or productive
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Ear pressure, fullness, or pain
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Fever or Chills
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Low energy or fatigue
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Nasal congestion, runny nose, and facial pressure
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Sore throat
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Upper chest tightness or congestion
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Wheezing
When to See a Doctor for an Upper Respiratory Infection
Most upper respiratory infections get better on their own in about three weeks. Try resting and using home remedies to feel better. You should see your primary care provider if your symptoms worsen. Seek medical help if you develop persistent fever for more than 72 hours.
Children can also get ear infections after upper respiratory infections. If your child develops ear pain, especially with a fever that does not resolve after two days, seek medical attention.
When to Go to Urgent Care
Sometimes, an upper respiratory infection doesn’t improve at home. Go to an urgent care center if you experience certain symptoms:
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Deepened cough in the lower chest
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Fever for more than 72 hours
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Fever that doesn’t come down with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
You don’t need an appointment to visit our urgent care centers. We also offer virtual urgent care visits from the comfort of your home. Any concern for ear infection needs to be seen in person.
Are Upper Respiratory Infections Contagious?
Upper respiratory infections are contagious. They spread through the air we breathe. You are most contagious two days before your symptoms start. You will stay contagious until about six days after symptoms begin. You’re less contagious after you’ve been fever-free without taking fever medicine for 24 hours. Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth protects people around you from getting sick.
What Causes Upper Respiratory Infections?
Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. These can be spread in droplets that spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If they cough into their hand and touch something, the droplets can remain on things like doorknobs. Sometimes, bacteria cause respiratory infections.
Upper Respiratory Infection Exam
Your health care provider performs an exam to get the information they need to create your treatment plan. At your visit, the provider will ask about what symptoms you have and how long you have had them. The physical exam includes looking at your ears and throat, and listening to your heart and lungs. Sometimes your provider will test you for common viruses like flu, COVID, and RSV. They may test you for strep throat or perform chest X-rays to check for bacterial infections.
How to Treat Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper Respiratory Infection Medications
Over-the-counter medications help reduce symptoms:
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Acetaminophen and ibuprofen help with fever and aches.
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Mucus and sinus relief medicine clears up congestion.
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Cough medicine calms coughing.
Upper Respiratory Infection Supportive Therapy
Supportive therapies are remedies you can do at home to improve your symptoms:
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Saline nasal rinse–Flush the nose with a saline solution to improve congestion.
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Humidifier at your bedside–Add moisture to the air to ease a stuffy nose and dry sinuses.
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Increase fluid intake for hydration–Stay hydrated to help your body recover from illness.
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Mucus suction for children–Use a bulb syringe or suction catheter to remove mucus. Children under two, and especially under six months, have small airways that can make it harder to clear mucus. Thinning the mucus with nasal saline can help.
Antiviral medication supports people who test positive for flu or COVID-19. Antivirals help your immune system fight the virus. You’ll start these medications within 48 hours of feeling symptoms. You will need a prescription from your primary care provider.
Steroids for Upper Respiratory Infection
Your provider may recommend steroids to treat certain symptoms:
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Asthma
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Wheezing
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Coughing fits
Antibiotics for Upper Respiratory Infections
Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not help resolve viral infections. Sometimes, bacterial infections like ear infections or pneumonia can develop after a virus and will be treated with antibiotics. Strep throat is a common bacterial infection especially in people under 25.
Why Choose University of Utah Health Primary Care Services?
Our primary care providers can help when you need care for upper respiratory infections.
You can expect expert care when you come to U of U Health. Our primary care and urgent care teams offer convenient care options to meet your needs:
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A wide variety of locations
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Virtual urgent care visits from the comfort of your home
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Walk-in appointments at urgent care centers
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Extended hours to fit your schedule
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Coordination between urgent care and your primary care provider
Make an Appointment With a Primary Care Provider
Call 801-213-9500 or schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also visit one of our many urgent care locations or schedule a virtual urgent care visit. You don’t need a referral for either visit. Please have your insurance information with you when you schedule your appointment or arrive at one of our locations.
