Upper respiratory infections (URIs) like colds, strep throat, and sinus infections are the most common acute illnesses. Most adults suffer an average of 2-3 URIs each year, while children range from 3-8 URIs annually.
Many people think that antibiotics can cure all illnesses, but that is not the case. In fact, taking too many antibiotics can lead to developing immunity to them. When this happens, some common infections become more difficult to treat and may worsen into serious health issues.
Read on to learn about the three most common URIs, how to treat them (hint: antibiotics are not always the answer), and how vybe can help you stay healthy this cold and flu season.
It all depends on whether the upper respiratory infection (URI) is viral or bacterial. Antibiotics are only effective to treat bacterial infections. Determining what caused the URI also determines the treatment. Since there are many causes and types of upper respiratory infections, not all treatments are the same.
1. The Common Cold
There’s a reason why “common” is in the name – people of all ages get colds multiple times a year. Symptoms of the common cold can vary widely, but the most typical are:
Will an antibiotic treat a cold?
No. The common cold is caused by a virus and cannot be treated with an antibiotic. There are actually over 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold.
Over-the-counter medications can help relieve your nasal congestion and other symptoms. Be sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Your cold symptoms should resolve on their own in a week or two.
2. Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection in your throat and tonsils that causes severe inflammation and a sore scratchy throat. The name “strep throat” comes from Streptococcus, which is the bacteria that causes the infection.
Common symptoms of strep throat include:
One symptom that isn’t usually associated with strep throat is a cough. If you have a cough or other cold symptoms, you likely have a viral infection.
Will an antibiotic treat strep throat?
Yes. Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection, so your vybe provider will likely prescribe an antibiotic. Visit your nearest vybe for a rapid strep test to confirm your diagnosis and begin treatment.
3. Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is the inflammation or swelling of the tissues that line your sinuses. When sinuses get blocked or filled with fluid, it can cause an infection.
Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:
Will an antibiotic treat a sinus infection?
It depends. Sinus infections are usually caused by a virus and will go away on their own. If your symptoms last more than ten days, then the infection may be bacterial. Your vybe provider can determine if an antibiotic is the correct treatment.
Upper respiratory infections are highly contagious and spread when a virus or bacteria enters your body through your nose or mouth. They are most commonly spread by respiratory droplets from a sneeze or cough.
When an infected person sneezes or coughs without covering their nose and mouth, germ filled droplets fill the air. These can be inhaled or land on shared surfaces like doorknobs and countertops. Germs can live on a surface for up to a week!
Kids are more likely to get upper respiratory infections due to their increased interactions with others. Their immune systems are also still developing.
To help prevent URIs, be sure to:
While some upper respiratory infections go away on their own, be sure to seek medical care if you have:
URIs may be common, but they’re also treatable and sometimes even go away on their own. A vybe provider can review your symptoms, provide rapid testing for strep throat, and prescribe antibiotics when appropriate.
vybe urgent care is open seven days a week with extended hours to test, diagnose, and treat URIs and many other illnesses. Walk in or schedule an appointment today at a vybe location near you!
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