Know What You Have: A Guide to Common Upper Respiratory Infections
Fall and winter bring cold weather, seasonal lattes, holiday cheer, cozy sweaters and an increase in upper respiratory infections (URIs), like the flu, sinusitis and the common cold.
What makes these illnesses difficult to identify is that their symptoms can be remarkably similar. Cough, congestion, headaches, body aches and fatigue often overlap across different URIs. So how can you know which illness you have — and more importantly, how you should treat it?
We’ll explore different types of URIs and how they're treated, as well as which infections often require a visit to an urgent care center, along with tips for preventing seasonal illnesses.
What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection?
URIs occur when a part of your upper respiratory tract becomes infected by a virus or bacteria.
Your upper respiratory system includes:
- Nose
- Nasal cavity
- Sinuses (paranasal sinuses)
- Mouth (oral cavity)
- Pharynx (throat)
- Larynx (voice box)
While most upper respiratory infections are caused by either a virus or bacteria, some rare cases are caused by fungal spores. It's important to visit an urgent care near you to determine which kind of illness you have for the most effective treatment.
It's also important to note that upper respiratory infections are different from diseases that impact the lower respiratory system, like the lungs, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli. Lower respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, generally include a more severe cough than URIs, as well as breathing issues.
Common Symptoms of URIs
While there are several different types of URIs, symptoms can be similar, making it difficult to know what you have.
For most URIs, symptoms begin to appear between one and three days after exposure and normally last for seven to 10 days.
Some common symptoms seen in most upper respiratory infections include:
- Body aches
- Congested or runny nose
- Coughing
- Ear pain
- Facial pain or pressure
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hoarse voice or loss of voice
- Irritated or itchy eyes
- Loss of smell (hyposmia)
- Mild fever
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Wheezing
Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the URI and where it’s located in the upper respiratory tract. At AdventHealth Centra Care, we can diagnose your URI quickly, so you get the best treatment. Find a local urgent care clinic near you.
Common Types of URIs
In most cases, your upper respiratory infection will be caused by either a virus or bacteria.
Viral URIs
Viral URIs are the most common, particularly during the fall and winter months. These infections affect the nose, throat and airways, causing symptoms like congestion, cough, sore throat and fatigue. While most viral infections clear up on their own, knowing which type you have can help you manage symptoms more effectively.
The Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis)
- Cause: Mainly caused by the rhinovirus
- Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, mild cough, sore throat, mild fatigue
- Treatment: Normally treated at home and lasts seven to 10 days
COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
- Cause: SARS-CoV-2 virus
- Symptoms: Cough, runny or congested nose, body aches, fever, loss of taste or smell
- Treatment: Most cases are treated with at-home care, with symptoms lasting one to two weeks. Antiviral medications are available for people at high risk for severe disease. People can also protect themselves with the COVID-19 vaccine.
Croup (Kids under age 5)
- Cause: Parainfluenza virus
- Symptoms: Barking cough, hoarse voice, whistling sound when breathing in, fever, congested nose.
- Treatment: Mild croup typically resolves with at-home care and lasts three to seven days. More moderate croup symptoms may require medication to help open a child's airways.
The Flu (Influenza)
- Cause: Usually caused by the influenza A or B viral strain
- Symptoms: Body aches, cough, chills, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, nausea or vomiting
- Treatment: Normally treated at home and lasts five to seven days
- Prevention: Get your annual flu shot and practice safe hygiene habits
Laryngitis
- Cause: Can be caused by several viruses, including the influenza virus, rhinovirus, coronavirus and adenovirus. It can also result from overuse of the voice.
- Symptoms: Hoarseness, loss of voice, dry throat, mild cough
- Treatment: Normally treated at home and lasts one to two weeks with voice rest
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Cause: Respiratory syncytial virus
- Symptoms: Cold-like symptoms, including runny nose, fever, cough, sore throat and headache; can lead to more severe conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia in infants, young children and older adults
- Treatment: Normally treated at home and lasts seven to 10 days. More severe cases of RSV may require antiviral medications. Infants and high-risk adults can be protected by getting the RSV vaccine through their primary care physician. The RSV vaccine can also be administered to pregnant women to help protect their babies during their first few months of life.
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
- Cause: Normally caused by the rhinovirus, influenza virus or parainfluenza virus; can also sometimes be caused by bacteria
- Symptoms: Facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, headache, postnasal drip
- Treatment: Viral sinusitis is normally treated at home and lasts seven to 14 days
Tonsillitis
- Cause: Normally caused by viruses like the rhinovirus or coronavirus; can be bacterial in some cases
- Symptoms: Sore throat, swollen tonsils, swallowing issues, fever, ear pain, swelling of lymph nodes
- Treatment: Viral cases are normally treated with at-home care and last seven to 10 days. Bacterial tonsillitis typically requires antibiotics and usually resolves within two to three days. If tonsillitis is severe or keeps recurring, it may require surgical removal of the tonsils.
Bacterial URIs
Bacterial URIs often develop after a viral illness and can cause more severe or long-lasting symptoms. Recognizing the signs of a bacterial infection can help you get the correct treatment to start feeling better more quickly.
Epiglottitis (Rare but serious)
- Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Symptoms: Severe throat pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, hoarse or raspy voice
- Treatment: Potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency care
Bacterial Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
- Cause: The most common bacteria are Streptococcus pneumoniae, but sinusitis can also be caused by the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria in children
- Symptoms: Facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, headache, postnasal drip
- Treatment: Bacterial sinusitis typically requires antibiotics
Strep Throat (Pharyngitis)
- Cause: Normally caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes
- Symptoms: Throat pain, difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, fever, enlarged lymph nodes
- Treatment: Strep throat requires antibiotics as well as at-home care, and usually lasts five to seven days, whereas viral pharyngitis (sore throat) that is part of a viral URI normally only requires home care and goes away within a week
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
- Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis
- Symptoms: Has three stages of symptoms, with the second stage including coughs producing a "whooping" sound, vomiting, fever and fatigue
- Treatment: Requires antibiotics and at-home supportive care. Children and adults can protect themselves from whooping cough by getting the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine.
URIs That Can Become More Serious Without Treatment
For most people, upper respiratory infections like the flu, common cold and sinusitis resolve in a few days to a week with the proper rest and treatment.
However, if left untreated or treated incorrectly, some URIs can worsen or lead to serious complications.
- Influenza can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia
- Pharyngitis can lead to sepsis, rheumatic fever or meningitis
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Sinusitis can lead to bronchitis, ear infections or pneumonia
Certain populations are at a higher risk of developing URI-caused complications, including:
- Newborns and infants up to age 4
- Older adults ages 65 and older
- People in long-term care facilities
- People with disabilities impacting their lung function
- Pregnant people
- Smokers
Factors That Can Increase the Chances of a URI
While a URI typically results from a viral or bacterial infection in the nose, throat, and airway, other factors can increase the risk of developing a URI.
They include the following:
- Allergic reactions to airborne particles
- Environmental irritants, like smoke and air pollution
- Nasal conditions such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps
- Underlying lung disease
- Weakened immune system
How Are URIs Treated?
How your URI is treated depends on whether or not it's caused by a virus or bacteria, and the severity of your symptoms.
- Viral URIs are normally treated with at-home care, including lots of rest and hydration.
- Bacterial URIs generally require antibiotic medication.
Other symptom management options your doctor may recommend include:
- Pain relievers
- Cough suppressants
- Decongestants
- Humidifiers at home
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Saline or corticosteroid nasal sprays to help relieve congestion
Knowing what type of upper respiratory infection you have is vital in getting the right treatment. Our AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care clinics offer accessible same-day care for evaluation, testing and prescriptions if needed.
When to Go to an Urgent Care for Your URI
If you suspect you have a URI but are unsure whether it's viral or bacterial, visit your nearest urgent care center for a quick evaluation. Your provider can review your symptoms and prepare a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Even if you know exactly what type of infection you have, make sure to go directly to urgent care if you experience any of the following:
- Ear pain that does not stop
- Extremely sore throat
- High fever over 102°F or a fever that lasts for more than 72 hours
- Severe sinus pain that doesn't improve
- Signs of dehydration
- Symptoms that get better, then return
- Worsening symptoms or symptoms that last for more than 10 days
And if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms with a URI, go directly to the nearest emergency room:
- Bluish tinge to lips or skin
- Breathing difficulties that get worse
- Chest pain
- Confusion or disorientation
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Difficulty staying awake
- Fever over 103°F
URI Prevention Tips
Upper respiratory infections, such as the flu and Strep throat, are highly contagious and can be serious for high-risk populations, including young children and seniors.
Do your part to stop the spread of germs with these quick prevention tips:
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, then wash your hands
- Disinfect hard surfaces like countertops, and frequently used items like your cell phone, TV remote and plastic toys
- Get your recommended vaccines, including an annual flu shot
- Stay home from work, school or daycare until you have no fever for at least 24 hours
- Wash your hands frequently throughout the day with soap and water
How AdventHealth Centra Care Can Help
When you’re not feeling well, getting the right care quickly can make all the difference.
At AdventHealth Centra Care, we provide whole-person care for your body, mind, and spirit — so you can start feeling better, faster.
Our urgent care providers are here to help you with:
- Compassionate, personalized guidance and treatment plan
- Convenience of walk-in or online scheduling for same-day appointments
- Evening and weekend hours
- Full access to AdventHealth's network of doctors for specialist referrals for additional care
- Rapid testing for flu, Strep throat, RSV and COVID-19
- Prescriptions for antiviral and antibiotic medications
