Upper Respiratory Infection

Upper Respiratory Infection services offered in Cicero and Chicago, IL

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are among the most common health challenges, ranging from the cold and flu to severe bacterial and viral infections. If you need symptom relief, Cermak Immediate Care welcomes walk-in patients at their offices in Cicero and the neighborhood of Marshall Square in Chicago, Illinois. You can also call or use online booking to schedule an appointment but do it right away. You might need antiviral or antibiotic medication to prevent the infection from causing complications.

What is an upper respiratory infection?

Upper respiratory infections occur when a virus, bacteria, or fungus takes hold in your nose, sinuses, or throat.

These are the most common URIs:

Strep throat
Flu
Common cold (viral rhinitis)
Laryngitis (inflamed voice box)
Pharyngitis (any sore throat, including strep throat)
Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses)
Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils)
Epiglottitis (inflammation of the cartilage covering the windpipe)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
COVID-19

By definition, URIs stay in your nose and throat. However, RSV and COVID-19 are different. They also infect your lungs (the lower respiratory tract).

What are the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection?

You can have symptoms in your nose, throat, or both, including:

Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Fever
Loss of voice
Hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing
Sinus pain and pressure
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Wheezing and difficulty breathing (if the infection affects your lungs)

URIs are contagious and most likely to spread in the first few days after your symptoms appear. They’re typically spread through contact when an infected person touches another person or object.

Do upper respiratory infections cause health complications?

Yes, a URI can spread, causing inflammation in your lungs and throughout your body. Complications that can develop include:

Pneumonia (infection that can lead to lung failure)
Meningitis (inflammation around the brain and spinal cord)
Rheumatic fever (a bacterial infection that triggers the immune system to attack tissues)
Scarlet fever (strep bacteria release a toxin causing a red tongue and skin rash)
Kidney inflammation (affects the structures that filter your blood)
Sepsis (widespread inflammation that can lead to organ failure)

People with the highest risk of complications include young children, adults over 65, and those with a chronic condition or weak immune system.

How are upper respiratory infections treated?

Viruses cause most URIs. With a few exceptions, no medications for viral infections exist. Your Cermak Immediate Care provider treats your symptoms while the virus runs its course.

Antiviral medications are available for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. However, these medications only help if you start taking them shortly after your symptoms appear.

Your provider prescribes antibiotics for a bacterial infection. They might also recommend decongestants, pain relievers, and home remedies to ease your symptoms.

Visit the nearest office, call, or book an appointment online to get help for an upper respiratory infection or learn if you can be treated with antiviral medications.