Upper Respiratory Infection

An upper respiratory infection, like a cold or the flu, causes uncomfortable symptoms, including congestion, fever, and fatigue. At EMC Express Care in North Richland Hills, Texas, Luke Kehres, MD, and an experienced team expertly treat upper respiratory infections to alleviate your symptoms and prevent long-term complications. If you have symptoms that just won’t resolve with at-home treatments, walk into the clinic or call to be treated. You can also schedule an appointment online. 

What is an upper respiratory infection?

An upper respiratory infection is something that affects your breathing system, particularly your throat and sinuses. Common examples of an upper respiratory infection are the common cold or the flu. Laryngitis, a sore throat, and a sinus infection are other types of upper respiratory infections. 

What are the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection?

Upper respiratory infections cause a range of symptoms. Typical symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Mild headache
• Body aches 
• Fatigue

An upper respiratory infection like the flu can also cause a fever. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience more severe symptoms than others.

How do you diagnose and treat upper respiratory infections?

EMC Express Care is an urgent care clinic that diagnoses and treats upper respiratory infections. Dr. Kehres assesses your symptoms, conducts a thorough examination, and orders any necessary tests, such as a rapid strep test or flu test, to confirm the diagnosis. 

Based on the diagnosis, your provider recommends appropriate treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and promote a speedy recovery.

What are the treatment options for upper respiratory infections?

Treatment for upper respiratory infections focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the body's natural healing process. Dr. Kehres may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve congestion, sore throat lozenges, cough suppressants, and fever reducers. 

Additionally, he can provide guidance on home remedies and self-care practices, such as getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using a humidifier to ease congestion. 

Antibiotics are typically not prescribed for viral upper respiratory infections unless there are complications or a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.

How long does it take to recover from an upper respiratory infection?

Your recovery time varies depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. Most people generally recover from a typical upper respiratory infection within 7 to 10 days. 

However, some symptoms, such as a lingering cough or fatigue, may persist for a few weeks. It's important to rest, practice good self-care, and follow any prescribed treatments or recommendations from our healthcare professionals to aid in a faster recovery.

If you have symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, seek treatment at EMC Express Care today. Call, walk in, or use this website to find available appointments online.