Upper respiratory infections (URI) or the common cold are caused by several viruses such as . URIs are usually seasonal in nature, with an increase noted in the winter months. Symptoms of an URI can include low grade fever, chills, malise, sneezing, sore throat, cough, runny nose, nasal congestion. Symptoms of a URI usually resolve in 5 to 7 days. Symptomatic treatment can include fluids, acetaminophen / ibuprofen for fever, zinc, vitamin C, cough medication such as mucinex and honey.
Individuals with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, smokers can be at risk for complications from URI. However, in most people symptoms resolve after a few days.
If you have symptoms of URI that are not improving, call your doctor to schedule an appointment. If they cannot see you or you do not have a PCP, call or text us at Compassion Primary, a direct primary care (dpc) practice. You can be seen as a non-member or become a member.
