An upper respiratory infection (URI), also commonly known as the common cold, is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, sinuses, and sometimes the ears. It is one of the most prevalent illnesses worldwide, with children can experience an average of 10 colds per year.
URIs are typically caused by a group of viruses that are highly contagious and are spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection often include:
Runny or stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue, poor appetite,
In most cases, URIs are self-limiting and resolve on their own within a week to ten days. In kids sometimes cough lingers for up to 2-3 weeks. Supportive care, including rest, staying hydrated, humidifier and shower, rinsing the nares with saline solution, grandma’s chicken soap, and honey (for kids older than 1) can be helpful. I don’t recommend over-the-counter cold medications for children without consulting your doctor.
However, if symptoms of URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) persist or worsen, or if there are signs of a secondary bacterial infection, it’s important to seek medical attention.
URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) prevention measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and practicing good respiratory hygiene (covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing). Additionally, getting a flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of contracting URI due to the Influenza virus.
