Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a viral or bacterial illness in the upper part of your respiratory system. This includes your nosesinuses and throat.

A runny nosesore throatheadache and other cold-like symptoms might come to mind when you think of an upper respiratory infection. And it’s true — common colds and other viruses are usually to blame for URIs. But some URIslike strep throat or some cases of sinusitisare bacterial infections. Still otherslike the viruses responsible for the fluCOVID-19 and RSVcan cause both upper and lower respiratory infections.

What are the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection?

Symptoms of upper respiratory infections depend on the cause and what part of your body is affected. Infections can lead to swelling in parts of your respiratory tractcausing conditions like pharyngitislaryngitis and epiglottitiswhich can have different symptoms.

Symptoms of upper respiratory infections can include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Hoarse voice or loss of voice
• Fatigue
• Facial pain
• Wheezing
• Swollen lymph nodes

What causes upper respiratory tract infections?

Viruses cause most upper respiratory infections. But bacteria and even fungi can cause themtoo. Specific causes can include:

• Common cold viruses
• Influenza A and B virus (the flu)
• SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Varicella-zoster virus
• Herpes simplex virus
• Streptococcus bacterialike group A strep and Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenza bacteria
• Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria
• Aspergillusmucormycetes and other types of fungi

Are upper respiratory infections contagious?

Yesthe viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections are contagious (spread from person to person). They can spread through:

• Respiratory dropletswhen someone coughssneezes or talks
• Sharing eating or drinking utensils (like forksspoonscups or water bottles)
• Contact with objects or surfaces with germs on them (think doorknobslight switchesphones or toys)

Fungi that cause upper respiratory infections aren’t contagious.

What are the complications of upper respiratory tract infections?

Upper respiratory infections like colds rarely lead to complications. But URIs can sometimes cause inflammation in your lungsleading to pneumonia. Additionallyif bacterial or fungal infections are left untreatedthey can travel to other parts of your body and cause:

• Meningitis
• Rheumatic fever
• Scarlet fever
• Sepsis
• Organ damage

You might be at higher risk for complications from a URI if you have certain health conditions or a compromised immune systemor if you’re older than 65. Newborns are also at higher risk for severe illness.

How are upper respiratory tract infections diagnosed?

Healthcare providers usually diagnose upper respiratory infections based on your symptoms and nasal swab or throat culture. If your symptoms are mild and your tests are negative for infections like the flu or strep throatyou might have one of hundreds of common cold viruseswhich providers don’t often test for.

How do you treat upper respiratory tract infections?

Treatment for upper respiratory infections depends on the cause. There aren’t any specific treatments for most viral URIslike colds. Providers treat bacterial infectionslike strep throatwith antibiotics.

How can I get rid of an upper respiratory infection fast?

Most viral URIs have to run their course and go away on their own. They usually last one to two weeks. You can ease your symptoms by drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter medications.

If you have a bacterial infectionyour symptoms should start to improve a day or two after starting antibiotics. Don’t stop taking antibiotics even if you feel better — make sure you take the entire course as prescribed.

How long are you contagious with an upper respiratory infection?

Upper respiratory infections caused by viruses are usually most contagious in the first few days of symptomsand sometimesa day or two before they start. But you could still be contagious even when you start to feel betterespecially if you still have symptoms. Strep throat can be contagious for weeks if left untreated.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms:

• Are severe
• Last longer than two weeks
• Come back frequently

Long-lasting or frequent symptoms could be signs of a bacterial infectionfungal infection or other health condition. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a compromised immune system or other health condition that might put you at higher risk for severe illness if you get an URI.

When should I go to the ER?

Go to the emergency room if you experience signs of severe illnessincluding:

• High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius)
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Noisy breathinglike wheezing or stridor
• Dizziness
• Retractionswhen your skin between your ribs pulls in when you breathe
• Confusion or other mental changes

Can upper respiratory tract infections be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of getting or spreading upper respiratory infections by:

• Getting all recommended vaccinations
• Washing your hands frequently
• Disinfecting surfaces
• Not sharing foodutensils or cups
• Wearing a mask if you must be around people when you’re sick

Do you need antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection?

Most of the timeno. Antibiotics don’t work on virusesthe cause of most URIs. You only need antibiotics if your provider diagnoses you with a bacterial infectionlike strep throat.