Upper respiratory infection

About Upper respiratory infection

An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a viral illness involving the nose, throat, and sinuses. Common pathogens include rhinovirus, coronavirus, RSV, influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, low-grade fever, and fatigue, and typically resolve within 7–10 days. Antibiotics do not help and are not indicated. Supportive care — fluids, rest, saline rinses, analgesics, throat lozenges, and decongestants when appropriate — is the mainstay. Persistent fever, worsening after initial improvement, or focal symptoms warrant reassessment.