What to do for an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Adapted from Cornell Health: Cornell University “Caring for an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)” at health.cornell.edu.

What is a URI?

An upper respiratory infection (URI) is an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract. It can create symptoms that affect areas such as the nose, throat, chest, sinuses, and ears. URIs are caused by viruses that are spread through respiratory droplets.

How long will I have symptoms of a URI?

You may experience a worsening of symptoms the first 3-5 days, then you will gradually get better. URIs can take up to two weeks to fully resolve.

How can I treat a URI?

There are no medications to “cure” you from a URI, but there are things you can do to help improve your symptoms. Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections; since a URI is a viral infection, antibiotics would not work to cure you in this circumstance.

COVID-19 is a virus that can present as a URI; we encourage you to test for COVID-19 with an at home test to determine if COVID-19 is the virus you have contracted. For more information on COVID-19, please see the UHS page for COVID-19 linked here.

When should I make an appointment with UHS to be seen for my URI symptoms?

Sometimes a URI does not follow the expected course. Secondary bacterial infections or other symptoms that may need additional support can occur while you have a URI. Seek an appointment with a healthcare professional for any of the following:

• A fever greater than 100.4°F for longer than two days.

• Shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, or wheezing.

• A painful or worsening cough.

• A sore throat that lasts longer than 3 days, a worsening sore throat, difficulty swallowing.

• Pain in your face or teeth that is not improving.

• A headache that lasts longer than a few days or is very severe.

• A skin rash or other skin abnormality.

• Abdominal pain.

• Significant drowsiness or any confusion.

If you need an appointment, please call UHS at (423) 425-2266.

How do I keep myself or others safe from contracting/spreading a URI?

Wash your hands well with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer often and before eating and drinking. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Wear a mask when around others if you have symptoms of a URI. Avoid sharing food and drinks or anything else where respiratory droplets may be exchanged.

What types of remedies can I use when I’m trying to manage the symptoms of my URI? (Credit: Cornell Health: Cornell University “Caring for an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)” at health.cornell.edu)

Sore Throat:

• Use a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

• Gargle with salt water (1/4 tsp of salt dissolved in 8 oz of warm water). Salt water can be used as often as you like.

• Throat lozenges or throat sprays (Cepacol lozenges or Chloroseptic spray) may bring some relief by increasing saliva production and lubricating your throat.

• Drink plenty of fluids (e.g., water, diluted juice, tea) to soothe your throat and to stay hydrated.

Coughing

• Coughing often occurs during the later stages of a URI. It may be dry or produce phlegm or mucus.

• Medications that contain dextromethorphan (e.g., Robitussin DM, Mucinex DM, Delsym) may help to suppress a cough.

• Tea with honey, when taken regularly, can soothe a sore throat and help suppress a cough.

Be cautious with medications:

• Be familiar with the individual ingredients in every medication you take, so you treat your symptoms appropriately.

• Watch for ingredient overlap between products (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine). Don’t accidentally take too much of any ingredient.

• Don’t take medications longer than recommended.

• Follow any specific instructions given by your health care provider. This is especially important if you have an underlying health condition.

• If you have questions or concerns, ask a pharmacist for assistance, or consult with your health care provider.

Note: generic medications contain the same active ingredients as name brands.

Strengthen your immune system:

• Make sure you eat well (e.g., a healthy, balanced variety of foods).

• Avoid alcohol as it can directly suppress various immune responses.

• Stay away from cigarettes and secondhand smoke.

• Rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours)