Covid, Flu, Allergies or Cold?
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) include any infection of the sinuses, throat, airways, or lungs. We offer Covid Testing and Flu Testing/Flu Shots to help patients prepare ahead and understand their diagnosis. While we worry more about Covid and the flu simply because of their transmission and deadly impact, Colds are the most common viral respiratory infection. Most RTIs are distinguished by the area they affect, with upper respiratory tract infections mainly impacting the area from the neck up, and lower respiratory tract infections impacting the chest area. Of course, our main source of worry right now is Covid 19.
What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection? An upper respiratory infection affects the nose, sinuses, and throat. Many children get upper respiratory infections simply because they have not yet developed a resistance to the viruses that cause an infection. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, and a stuffy or runny nose. Upper respiratory tract infections include:
- Colds
- Sinusitis
- Tonsillitis
- Laryngitis
- Flu
- Covid 19
What Is a Lower Respiratory Infection? A lower respiratory infection impacts the airways and lungs, and can affect breathing. Typical lower respiratory illnesses include:
- Flu
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Covid 19
Usually, the most noticeable symptom of a lower RTI will be a cough, sometimes producing mucus and phlegm. You may also experience tightness of the chest, wheezing, an increased breathing rate, or feeling of breathlessness.
Family First Urgent Care is available seven days a week, including weekends and some holidays to evaluate, diagnose, and recommend appropriate treatment for both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Let us recommend appropriate treatment to lessen the severity and duration of your symptoms.
What Causes Respiratory Infections? Respiratory infections quickly spread from one person to another. When you have an infection, such as a cold, minute droplets of fluid containing the virus are released into the air whenever you cough or sneeze. These droplets can then infect others in the area. Practicing the elbow cough or sneeze is a good way to prevent the spread of these droplets.
Respiratory tract infections can also be spread through indirect contact, such as touching a surface or object that has been touched by someone else with a virus. To avoid contamination or contaminating others, wash your hands frequently, using soap and warm water.
How to Treat a Respiratory Infection. Most mild upper respiratory illnesses can be successfully treated at home. Upper respiratory infection treatment includes addressing symptoms with over-the-counter remedies and pain medications. Antibiotics for upper respiratory infections are generally ineffective, unless the infection is caused by bacteria. You should also stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and make sure you get plenty of rest.
As with upper respiratory infections, common antibiotics are usually ineffective in lower respiratory infection treatment. If your symptoms persist, or become more serious, you should visit Family First Urgent Care. We can help determine whether your respiratory illness may be something more serious, such as pneumonia, or a chronic condition like asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Anyone over the age of 65 should seek medical care if they experience a cough and have pre-existing conditions that suppress the normal immune response, such as diabetes, a history of heart failure, or certain medications.
If you have coughing, fever, chills, muscle pain and other unexplained symptoms, please come to the office or call us to schedule testing.
