Upper Respiratory Infection

Upper respiratory infections are common, as adults often have 2-5 colds per year (children usually have more). At StrongURCare in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, the skilled urgent care team helps ease the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection so that you can breathe easier, feel better, and recover faster. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office, booking a visit online, or walking in today.

What is an upper respiratory infection?

An upper respiratory infection is a bacterial or viral illness that affects your sinuses, nose, voice box, and/or throat. Examples of this type of respiratory infection include common colds, COVID-19, the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and strep throat.

Symptoms can be mild to severe, but treatment with the StrongURCare team can help you feel better faster and avoid severe complications.

What symptoms do upper respiratory infections cause?

Upper respiratory infections can cause the following symptoms:

• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Facial pain
• Hoarse voice
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Wheezing

Your symptoms often go away on their own over time, but they could require medical intervention to ease severe symptoms or avoid illness-related complications. 

What are the risk factors for upper respiratory infections?

Upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. They spread from person to person through respiratory droplets forced into the air by sneezing, coughing, or talking. 

You can also contract an upper respiratory infection by sharing food or drink with an infected person or touching shared surfaces (light switches, phones, doorknobs, etc.).

Left untreated, some upper respiratory infections can lead to complications like pneumonia, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, organ damage, meningitis, or sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection).

Your chance of getting an upper respiratory infection is higher if you have a weakened immune system, which might be the case in older adults, babies, and young children.

How are upper respiratory infections diagnosed?

Your StrongURCare specialist reviews your medical history, assesses your symptoms, and performs a physical exam to determine whether you have an upper respiratory infection and which type you have. You might also undergo blood work, a nasal swab, and/or a throat culture.

How are upper respiratory infections treated?

Your personalized upper respiratory infection treatment plan can include:

• Rest and fluids
• Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
• Prescription medication
• Injection
• Inhaler
• Nasal spray
• Humidifier
• Nasal rinse

Ways to reduce your risk of contracting an upper respiratory infection include getting plenty of sleep, getting vaccinated, washing your hands often, using hand sanitizer, and keeping your distance from people who are sick. Avoid touching your face with your hands whenever possible.

The StrongURCare team follows up to ensure that your treatment is effective and refers you to a hospital if you develop a complication.

Schedule an upper respiratory infection evaluation at StrongURCare by calling the office, booking a visit online, or walking in today.