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Urgent Care Upper Respiratory Infection (URIs)
Urgent Care Upper Respiratory Infection (URIs)

Upper respiratory infection treatment available today

In order to treat your upper respiratory infection, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to prescribe medications to get relief from sore throat and congestion. Get a new prescription to treat an upper respiratory infection or refill an existing prescription today.*

Early diagnosis by board-certified doctors* Effective prescriptions for respiratory relief Manage upper respiratory symptoms and treatment online
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of Upper Respiratory Infection. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

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Learn about upper respiratory infections

The respiratory system is the part of your body that is responsible for breathing. The respiratory system is divided into the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract comprises of nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and large upper airways. Most people will experience an upper respiratory infection at some point in life. Upper respiratory infections are very common, and include:


Upper respiratory infection causes

An acute upper respiratory tract infection is a short-term bacterial or viral infection. The common cold is an example of a viral acute upper respiratory infection. Other causes of upper respiratory infections include bacteria, environmental irritants (such as airborne pollution or tobacco smoke), and allergies.

The virus/bacteria/environmental irritants can enter your respiratory system via the following ways:

 

  • Breathing in air containing the virus/bacteria/environmental irritants - an infected person sneezes or coughs, causing the virus/bacteria to become airborne

  • Touching an infected surface or shake hands with a person who’s sick, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes

Upper respiratory infection symptoms

The hallmark symptom of an upper respiratory infection is a sudden onset of symptoms, which can include the following:

Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Sneezing
Sore throat
Hoarse voice
Cough
Red eyes

Some patients may also experience the following symptoms:

Malaise / feeling run down
Headache
Fatigue
Fever

The symptoms usually present themselves one to three days after exposure and last seven to ten days, sometimes lasting as long as three weeks.

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How to treat an upper respiratory infection

There are a plenty of steps you can take to treat your symptoms and speed up your recovery.

Physicians may prescribe medications to treat upper respiratory infections in patients. The different medications are covered in the next section.

In addition to medications, some home remedies you can try to help recovery are:


  • Getting enough sleep

  • Drinking plenty of fluids, which can thin mucus and prevent dehydration

  • Steaming your face with a warm towel, which can help open up your sinuses and relieve congestion

  • Honey to help reduce coughing

  • Gargling saltwater to help reduce swelling

  • Saline nasal rinse (can help with sinus infections)



By following these simple guidelines, you can easily get rid of your upper respiratory infection quickly and get back to feeling your best.

Upper respiratory infection medications

There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat upper respiratory infections in patients. In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for seven to ten days.

Other common upper respiratory infection medications include:

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) to reduce pain and bring down a fever

Antihistamines

Like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can relieve allergy symptoms

Cough suppressants

(Can be over-the-counter or prescription)

Decongestants

That can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages due to sinus infection

In some cases, a short course of steroids may also be prescribed. These medications can help speed up the recovery process and make the symptoms more tolerable. However, it is important to take them as directed and finish the entire course of treatment to ensure that the infection does not return.

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How to prevent an upper respiratory infection

The best way to avoid getting an upper respiratory tract infection is by practicing proper hygiene, such as:


  • Washing your hands frequently, especially before you eat

  • Covering when coughing or sneezing to reduce spread

  • Cleaning surfaces that are commonly touched, like door handles and countertops

  • Keeping away from people who might be sick

  • Isolating yourself when you are sick to prevent spread


Additionally, it's important to get vaccinated against the flu every year. If you do start to feel sick, it's important to see a doctor early so they can prescribe antiviral medication, if necessary.

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When to see a doctor for an upper respiratory infection

While upper respiratory infections are usually mild and resolve on their own within a week or two, some people may experience more severe symptoms that require medical attention. If you have an upper respiratory tract infection and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor:


  • Persistent fever (more than three days)

  • High fever (over 103 °F)

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Severe headache or ear pain

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Painful swallowing or loss of appetite

  • Coughing up blood or greenish mucus

  • Wheezing in the chest

  • Swelling in the face or neck


If you have a weak immune system or are at risk for complications from an upper respiratory infection, it’s also important to see a physician as soon as possible.

Upper respiratory infection treatment FAQs

What are the symptoms of an acute upper respiratory infection?

Upper respiratory infection symptoms may vary depending on the severity and where the infection is located, but may include: nasal congestion, running nose, sneezing, inability to smell, cough, coughing up phlegm, wheezing, body aches, fatigue, fever, scratchy or sore throat, pain when swallowing, headache, sinus pain, foul breath, shortness of breath, itchy, watery eyes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

What are the best at-home treatments for an upper respiratory infection?

Many mild respiratory infections can usually be treated at home. Treatment may include: rest, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding cold, dry air, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) to reduce pain and bring down a fever, cough medicine (can be over the counter or prescription), honey for a cough, especially when added to tea, oral or nasal decongestants to reduce nasal congestion, inhaling steam or using a humidifier, gargling saltwater, and saline nasal rinse.

When should I see a doctor for a cough?

If you have a cough and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Persistent fever (more than three days)

  • High fever (over 103 °F)

  • Painful swallowing or loss of appetite

  • Coughing up blood or greenish mucus

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Severe headache or ear pain

  • Wheezing in the chest

  • Swelling in the face or neck

 

The doctor will diagnose your condition as viral or bacterial and recommend an effective treatment course. If your infection is bacterial, antibiotics will be prescribed. If your infection is viral, symptom management methods will be prescribed to help you recover.

Can a cold be treated online?

Yes, online doctors can treat colds, coughs, congestion, and upper respiratory infections. One of our online doctors will meet with you via phone or video to discuss your symptoms, assess your medical condition, make a diagnosis, and recommend a course of treatment, including any necessary prescription medications that are not classified as a controlled substance. 

3 simple steps to get treated for an upper respiratory infection today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book an upper respiratory infection treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your upper respiratory infection symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up a prescription for your upper respiratory infection.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to upper respiratory infections

Pneumonia

Ear infections

Acute bronchitis

Upper respiratory infection treatment pricing details

To request upper respiratory infection treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:


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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.