Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Your GoodRx Guide

What is an upper respiratory tract infection?

An upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is when you get an infection in your upper airways. You’ve probably had an URTI if you’ve ever had feelings of: 

• Congestion

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

• Head pressure

The upper respiratory tract is made up of the nose, sinuses, throat, and larynx (voice box). An URTI happens when any of these areas develop an infection.

Here are some different types of URTI:

• Sinusitis

• Common colds

• Pharyngitis

• Laryngitis 

You can get infections in the lower respiratory tract too. These happen when germs infect the lower airways. Examples of lower respiratory tract infections include bronchitis and pneumonia. 

Most of the time, URTIs will go away on their own. But it’s helpful to know what causes them, how to treat them, and when to get medical attention for your symptoms.

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What causes an upper respiratory tract infection?

URTIs are mostly caused by viruses and occasionally by bacteria. These germs can easily spread from person to person — especially in colder months. Typically, respiratory germs spread through the air and through close contact, especially when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. 

Here are some common viruses that cause URTIs:

• Rhinovirus (the most common cause of the common cold)

• Influenza

• COVID-19

• Coronaviruses (other than COVID) 

• Adenovirus

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

• Enterovirus

URTIs caused by bacteria are less common. That said, strep throat is a common bacterial URTI. It’s caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. 

Some people are more likely to get an URTI. These include:

• Children in day care or school, or people exposed to those children

• People with asthma or allergic rhinitis

• People who smoke

• Someone who’s immunocompromised

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What are the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection?

The most common symptoms are cough, nasal congestion, and fatigue. Beyond that, specific URTI symptoms depend on which part of your upper respiratory tract is affected. Often, symptoms overlap. 

Typical symptoms of the common cold include:

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Nasal congestion

• Sneezing

Sinusitis symptoms include:

• Headache

• Facial pain

• Nasal congestion or runny nose

Pharyngitis symptoms include:

• Sore or dry throat

• Pain with swallowing

• Cough

• Bad breath

Laryngitis symptoms include:

• Hoarse voice or loss of voice

• Sore throat

• Dry cough 

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Diagnosis

Symptoms are usually enough to diagnose an URTI. If you see a healthcare professional, they’ll start by asking about your symptoms. Next, a physical exam will help them figure out what’s going on. They may look in your nose, mouth, and throat. And they’ll listen to your lungs. Often, they can make the diagnosis without doing further tests. 

But in some cases, testing can be helpful. Your healthcare team may want to order testing to identify: 

• Strep throat: A throat swab can test for strep bacteria to figure out if you need antibiotics. 

• Flu or COVID: If you test positive for flu or COVID, antiviral treatments may be an option.

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Home remedies to treat upper respiratory infection

Since most URTIs are caused by viruses, antibiotics aren’t usually necessary or helpful. Treatment involves making yourself comfortable, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated. And, last but not least, make sure to give your body time to recover. 

Home remedies can also be helpful. At-home treatments can include: 

• Drinking hot tea

• Adding honey to a warm drink, or taking a spoonful of honey on its own

• Using extra pillows at night to help your body drain mucus better

• Using a saline wash with neti pot

• Creating a steam bath in the shower or bath

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Medications for upper respiratory tract infections

Sometimes, at-home remedies just aren’t enough to help your symptoms, and you may need medications.

Over-the-counter cold and flu medications for URTI symptoms

There are helpful over-the-counter medications (OTC) that can help you feel more comfortable as your body fights off the infection. These include: 

• Decongestants: such as nasal sprays or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

• Pain relievers: like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Cough medicine: the best choice depends on the type of cough

Many OTC cough and cold products aren't recommended for young children, so check with your pediatrician or primary care provider first. 

Antiviral medications

If you test positive for flu or COVID, and you’re at high risk for severe flu or COVID, you may need antiviral medications: 

• Flu treatments, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)

• COVID treatments, including nirmatrelvir / ritonavir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio)

Antibiotics for upper respiratory infection

In some cases, URTIs need treatment with antibiotics, for example: 

• Bacterial sinusitis is often treated with amoxicillin / clavulanate (Augmentin). 

• Strep throat is usually treated with amoxicillin. 

Other antibiotic options are available for those with penicillin allergies.

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How can you prevent an upper respiratory tract infection?

You can’t prevent every URTI. But there are steps you can take to lower your chances of getting and spreading the germs that cause them:

• Stay up-to-date on recommended vaccines. Vaccines can help protect against respiratory illnesses such as the flu and COVID. RSV immunizations are also recommended for certain people.

• Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. This helps keep germs from entering your body.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick when possible. And cover your coughs and sneezes when around people.

• Consider wearing a well-fitting mask. A mask can provide additional protection when respiratory viruses are spreading, particularly in crowded indoor spaces or if you or someone around you is at higher risk for serious illness.

When should you see a doctor for upper respiratory tract infections?

Most simple URTIs get better on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. 

But some symptoms are a sign that you should get checked by a healthcare professional: 

• Your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days and aren’t improving.

• Your symptoms were improving, but they suddenly got worse.

• You’ve had a fever for more than 4 days or a fever that won’t come down.

• You have severe or worsening sinus pain, sore throat, or other symptoms.

• You’re immunocompromised or have significant chronic medical conditions.

• Your child is less than 2 months old and has a fever. 

There are some situations in which you should get urgent medical care: 

• You have difficulty breathing.

• You’re dehydrated (you haven’t urinated much in the past 24 hours).

• You’re feeling extremely weak, or you’re getting worse rapidly.