Upper respiratory infection visit

About Upper respiratory infection visit

An upper respiratory infection visit confirms a viral etiology, rules out bacterial sinusitis or strep pharyngitis, and provides symptomatic care: nasal saline, decongestants for short courses, analgesics, throat lozenges, and rest. Antibiotics do not shorten viral URIs and contribute to resistance and side effects. The visit also identifies red flags for more serious infection — persistent high fever, focal pain, worsening after initial improvement, shortness of breath — and arranges in-person care when needed.