Do I Have a Respiratory Infection?

You have probably heard it all over the news lately, but the number of upper respiratory infection cases is really high this season. Chances are that you have either been sick yourself already or know someone who has been!

Included in this list of potential illnesses are influenza and RSV. Did you know that you could have multiple infections at one time? We want you to stay as healthy as possible this season, so check out our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team’s latest blog all about upper respiratory infections below.

How Do You Get a Respiratory Infection?

These types of illnesses are caused by a virus or bacteria that makes its way into your respiratory system. You could have been exposed in a variety of ways! Upper respiratory illnesses can be spread by coming in contact with an infected person, touching an infected surface or being on the receiving end of an uncovered cough or sneeze.

If the infection sets in and starts to grow in your body, you can expect to start experiencing symptoms of the illness within one to four days. While most respiratory illnesses start out similarly, their progression is what sets them apart. RSV can start out with some simple cold-like symptoms, while the flu will typically make you feel very ill in a short amount of time.

Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections

  • Fever
  • Runny nose/congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Muscle or body aches

How Can I Treat a Respiratory Illness?

Since many respiratory illnesses can produce similar symptoms, it can be hard to know what you are suffering from at home. We can help determine what illness you have! Come see us at the onset of your symptoms, and we can run a series of rapid tests to help diagnose you.

We can have your results in as little as 15 minutes! If your infection is viral, we can offer you some symptom management tips while you wait to recover, or prescribe an antiviral medication in some cases to shorten the duration or intensity of the virus. If it is bacterial, we can determine if a course of antibiotics is right for you. Either way, we have your back.

Signs of a Serious Infection

  • Shallow breathing
  • A high fever that won’t go away
  • Lethargy or extreme fatigue
  • Chest pain

If you aren’t feeling well, we can help. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.