Upper Respiratory Viruses: What You Need to Know
Upper respiratory viruses are some of the most common illnesses people experience, especially during the fall and winter months. These infections affect the nose, sinuses, throat, and airways and are usually caused by viruses that spread easily from person to person.
Common Upper Respiratory Viruses
Some of the most common upper respiratory infections include:
The common cold, often caused by rhinoviruses
Influenza (flu), which can cause more severe symptoms and complications
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially common in young children and older adults
COVID-19, which can affect both the upper and lower respiratory tract
Symptoms often include congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, fatigue, headache, and sometimes fever.
How to Help Prevent Upper Respiratory Viruses
While it’s not always possible to avoid getting sick, a few simple steps can reduce your risk:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
Stay home when you’re sick and avoid close contact with others who are ill
Keep your immune system strong with proper sleep, hydration, and nutrition
Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including the flu vaccine
Managing Symptoms at Home
Most upper respiratory viruses can be managed at home with supportive care:
Get plenty of rest
Drink fluids to stay hydrated
Use over-the-counter medications to help relieve fever, aches, congestion, or cough
Use a humidifier or take warm showers to ease congestion
Symptoms typically improve within a few days to a week, though some coughs may linger longer.
When to See a Doctor
You should seek medical care if symptoms become severe or do not improve, or if you experience:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
High or persistent fever
Chest pain
Severe sore throat or trouble swallowing
Symptoms that worsen instead of improving
Young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions should seek care sooner if they become ill.
Upper respiratory viruses are a common part of life, especially during colder months or times of increased exposure. While most cases are mild and resolve with rest and supportive care, paying attention to your symptoms and taking steps to prevent illness can make a big difference. Knowing when to manage symptoms at home—and when to seek medical care—helps protect not only your health, but the health of those around you as well.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your symptoms or your health, please consult a healthcare professional.
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Regardless of what type of medical situation you may be facing, Community First ER is here to help. There’s no need to make an appointment, and you won’t have to wait. Our board-certified physicians and nurses will always be ready to see you. We understand that emergencies aren’t always convenient, which is why we do everything we can to make your experience with us as hassle-free as possible. From the moment you arrive at Community First ER to the moment you leave us our compassionate and knowledgeable staff will take care of you or your family member appropriately. If your condition warrants transportation to a local hospital, we can easily arrange this using our ambulance and helipad services. Our 9,000 square foot facility includes an onsite lab, radiology, and imaging services and is equipped to provide adult, pediatric, and adolescent emergency and critical care. We strive to provide the most effective and most efficient medical care in a stress-free and comfortable environment.
We are here to help
At Community First ER, we are committed to providing you the best possible care now and always. With adult and pediatric emergency care available, we have a team of board-certified medical and surgical specialists we consult to help manage our patients and their medical emergencies. We form relationships with local doctors to ensure that our patients have access to the best specialists for their individual needs. You can call ahead and discuss your symptoms at any time.
We are Community First Emergency Room – committed to putting your community, health, and YOU FIRST, every day.
If you are a loved one experiencing an urgent or emergency medical issue, please contact us right away at 281-343-3134.
About Community First ER
Emergency health care is a critical resource. Our commitment is to provide a personal, transparent, and concierge-driven emergency health care experience to our community members. Locally owned and operated by health care providers and partners we trust, we strive to support and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to put your health and wellness first. For more information, visit our website at https://communityfirster.com/ and engage with us on social media!