Primary Care for Upper Respiratory Infections

Telemedical Options: Yes An upper respiratory infection is a viral or bacterial infection that affects the nose and throat. It is also known as a cold. The term "upper respiratory infection" is used to describe a variety of illnesses, including

common colds
sore throats
sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes)
acute bronchiolitis (inflammation of the bronchioles)
laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx)
tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)sss

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What Are the Signs of an Upper Respiratory Infection?

The signs and symptoms of an upper respiratory infection are different for everyone. Some people may experience more than one symptom at the same time.

Some symptoms of upper respiratory infection may include:

fever
sore throat
headache
runny nose
sneezing
coughing
congestion
body aches
fatigue
pain during swallowing
wheezing
diarrhea
chills

What Causes Upper Respiratory Infections?

The most common causes of upper respiratory infections are viruses that cause inflammation in the nose and throat.

Upper respiratory infections are very common and can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. Upper respiratory infections are usually caused by a virus and can be spread through the air. Other possible causes include bacteria, fungi, and other infections.

The most common types of upper respiratory infections are colds and the flu. Most colds last for about a week or less while flu symptoms can last from one to three weeks.

How Do You Treat an Upper Respiratory Infection?

Upper respiratory treatment can include medication to address common symptoms like headaches, coughs, fever, and sore throat. You may need antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection if it is caused by bacteria. The upper respiratory tract infection medication prescribed to you will depend on your condition and the symptoms you have.

Upper Respiratory Infections vs. Covid

The symptoms of an upper respiratory infection might sound similar to Covid. However, there are some key differences between Covid and an upper respiratory infection.

Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus is spread from one infected person to another through small droplets when a person coughs, speaks, sneezes, or breathes.

You can become infected with this virus if you touch a contaminated surface or breathe in droplets from an infected person.

The similarities between an upper respiratory infection and Covid-19 include:

both can be spread by droplets in the air from an infected person
both can be spread from contact with a contaminated surface
both can cause coughing fever, chills, body aches, sneezing, sore throat, and diarrhea
both can be prevented by good hygiene, handwashing and social distancing from infected persons

The differences between an upper respiratory infection and Covid-19 include:

Covid-19 can cause a loss of smell
Covid-19 can cause a loss of taste
Covid-19 signs can range from being asymptomatic (having no symptoms) to being critical (having severe symptoms)
Covid-19 can cause further complications like pneumonia

Visit The MedBerry Network to Treat Your Upper Respiratory Infection

At The MedBerry Network, we can treat upper respiratory infections. We provide affordable services and we treat all ages. You can stop by any of our locations or have a virtual evaluation for primary care.

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