Coughing, wheezing, and sneezing: a familiar sound in the Philadelphia region during the fall and winter months. Why? It’s a time when upper respiratory infections (URIs) run rampant due to colder weather and more time spent indoors.
An upper respiratory infection is caused by viruses or bacteria that affect your throat and sinuses. Common upper respiratory infections include:
Illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory infections and can cause both upper and lower respiratory illness and symptoms.
Upper respiratory infections are common and anyone can catch one. They’re so common that, adults tend to get at least 2–4 upper respiratory infections per year, while children may get 6–8. However, if you’re getting them more often, there could be several reasons why.
Here are three reasons why you may keep getting upper respiratory infections and answers to other commonly asked questions about URIs.
Upper respiratory infections are contagious. The viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections spread easily through airborne droplets or direct contact with others. As a result, going to crowded places and closed-in areas, such as airports, malls, and bars increases your risk of coming into direct contact with someone who’s infected. If you have an upper respiratory infection, wearing a mask when sick combined with proper handwashing greatly reduces the risk of transmission to others.
If possible, avoid close contact with people in public or who you know are infected.
When you touch an infected surface (like a doorknob or tabletop) or shake hands with someone who is sick – then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes – the germs from your hands enter your body. Objects can become infected if someone sick coughs or sneezes without covering their nose or mouth. When someone sick doesn’t cover their nose or mouth, virus-filled respiratory droplets spray into the air and onto surfaces.
When you touch an infected surface (like a doorknob or tabletop) or shake hands with someone who is sick – then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes – the germs from your hands enter your body. Objects can become infected if someone sick coughs or sneezes without covering their nose or mouth. When someone sick doesn’t cover their nose or mouth, virus-filled respiratory droplets spray into the air and onto surfaces.
The best protection against repeat upper respiratory infections is frequent handwashing. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds each time. If you have children, make sure they wash their hands often as well. Children are less likely than adults to wash their hands after sneezing or wipe their noses when they need to.
If you’re trying to maintain frequent handwashing but soap and water aren’t available, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good substitute.
Upper respiratory infections usually clear up in 1-2 weeks.
Contact your primary care physician, visit urgent care, or seek care at your local emergency department for significant shortness of breath or if symptoms last longer than two weeks. Especially if you have other chronic medical problems like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or emphysema.
The first step is seeking medical care to confirm that you have an upper respiratory infection and not the flu, or another illness. If left untreated, certain viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.
A healthcare provider will check your throat, nose, and ears for any signs of infection and listen to your chest to assess your breathing. Your provider may need to take a throat or nasal swab to identify the specific virus or bacteria responsible for your infection. If you have severe symptoms or a more serious condition is suspected (such as bronchitis or pneumonia), an X-ray may be performed.
If you do have an upper respiratory infection, a clinician will provide you with a treatment plan. While some upper respiratory infections resolve on their own with over-the-counter medications and rest, nasal decongestants or antihistamines may also be recommended by your provider to help relieve symptoms.
Antibiotics will only be prescribed if it’s determined that you have a bacterial infection. Steroids are reserved for patients with underlying asthma or wheezing associated with lower respiratory illnesses.
All vybe clinics have licensed medical professionals with a wide range of healthcare knowledge who can diagnose many types of respiratory illnesses.
Walk in or schedule an appointment at your local vybe urgent care today to have your symptoms evaluated, so you can start feeling better – and hopefully, stay better.
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