About this service
A cold, cough, sore throat, or sinus pressure can make everyday activities difficult. Upper respiratory infections affect the nose, sinuses, throat, and airways. Common examples include colds and sinus infections; cough can also occur with bronchitis or other respiratory illnesses.
A provider reviews your symptoms and examines you to determine the likely cause and appropriate care. Testing may help in some situations, but not every respiratory illness needs a test or antibiotics. Contact the clinic to confirm age requirements and which tests are available.
What to Expect
A visit may include:
Treatment may include medications for congestion, cough, fever, or throat pain, along with guidance on rest, hydration, and recovery.
- Review your symptoms, duration, and recent exposures
- Check vital signs and perform an exam of the throat, ears, sinuses, and lungs
- Discuss COVID-19, influenza, or RSV testing when clinically appropriate and available
- Determine whether the infection is likely viral or bacterial
- Recommend treatment to relieve symptoms and reduce complications
When to Visit Urgent Care
You should visit urgent care for an upper respiratory infection if you have:
- Persistent cough, congestion, or sore throat
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Sinus pressure or facial pain
- Fever lasting more than a few days
- Symptoms that worsen instead of improve
- Respiratory symptoms in infants, young children, or older adults
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency care immediately for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face, dehydration, or high fever that does not respond to treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is RSV an upper respiratory infection?
Yes. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause upper respiratory symptoms and, in some cases, more serious lower respiratory illness.
Are upper respiratory infections contagious?
Yes. Most URIs, including RSV, spread through respiratory droplets and close contact.
Do upper respiratory infections require antibiotics?
Most URIs are viral and do not require antibiotics. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected.
Can urgent care test for respiratory infections?
Testing may help guide treatment decisions. Contact your chosen clinic to confirm which respiratory tests are available.