How Do Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) Spread?

Respiratory diseases account for roughly 75% of all short-term illnesses in the United States. Of these respiratory illnesses, 80% are caused by a viral infection, and antibiotics will not be an effective treatment. Many of these viral infections typically result in mild, temporary symptoms in the upper respiratory tract.

If you’re suffering from a sore throat, cough or nasal congestion, knowing how the illness spreads is the first step to preventing others from getting sick. Learn how to recognize the signs of an upper respiratory infection, when you are most contagious, and how to stop the spread.

What is an upper respiratory infection?

An upper respiratory infection is a viral or bacterial illness that affects your throat, sinuses, and larynx (vocal cords). Examples of upper respiratory infections include:

The common cold
Perhaps the best-known URI, colds can be caused by over 200 different viruses. The common cold causes mild symptoms like sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, a scratchy throat, and coughing. There’s no cure for the common cold, but these symptoms typically last 7-10 days.

Flu
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. While it can be confused with the common cold,  the flu comes on more suddenly, with symptoms that include fever, chills, body aches. These symptoms can last for 1-2 weeks or more and cause severe complications for people with certain pre-existing health conditions. A rapid flu test can determine if you have the flu virus and which strain. To help prevent the flu, a flu shot is the best defense.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is a common viral infection that about 90% of people get before age 2, but you can also become infected again during your lifetime. While usually mild, it can become more serious due to risk factors including age or underlying health conditions. Symptoms of RSV include a dry cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and difficulty breathing and can sometimes be mistaken for a cold. These symptoms usually last for 1-2 weeks.

Strep throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection, so it can be treated with an antibiotic. Strep causes symptoms like throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils (if your tonsils haven’t been removed). A rapid strep test or throat culture can determine if you have the infection. Strep throat typically lasts around 7-10 days, but once you begin taking an antibiotic you should start to feel better within 2-3 days. However, you should always take the antibiotic for the full course prescribed.

Sinusitis
Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. When the tissues in your sinuses become inflamed, symptoms of nasal congestion and facial pain or pressure can occur. Most bouts of sinusitis last 1-4 weeks though bacterial sinusitis typically takes a minimum of 14 days to develop.

Both viral and bacterial infections often cause similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart without a proper diagnosis. If your symptoms are long-lasting or frequent, it is more likely a bacterial infection which can be treated with an antibiotic.

Why are upper respiratory infections so contagious?

Upper respiratory infections are contagious because they can be easily spread by touch or in the air, for example:

• Person-to-person contact – URIs are easily spread through close or direct contact with an infected person – anything from holding hands to hugging – and then touching your own face, mouth, nose, or eyes.

• Respiratory droplets – When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even laughs, respiratory droplets containing viruses are released into the air and can be inhaled by others.

• Contaminated surfaces – Germs can also survive on surfaces like doorknobs, remote controls, and phones – all you have to do is touch them to pick up the virus. Rhinoviruses, the most frequent cause of the common cold, can survive on surfaces for up to one day.

When are you most contagious?

Upper respiratory infections are the most contagious during the first few days of symptoms. You can also be contagious up to 24 hours before symptoms appear. While contagiousness lessens over time, you can still be contagious even when you begin to feel better. Consider yourself contagious until your symptoms are fully resolved.

How to lessen the spread of upper respiratory infections?

To prevent the spread of URIs, especially during cold and flu season, follow these guidelines to help everyone stay healthy:

• Wash your hands – Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to keep your hands as germ-free as possible.

• Avoid contact – Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes to prevent introducing germs into your body, and stay away from people who are sick.

• Cover coughs and sneezes – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve whenever you cough or sneeze and be sure to wash or sanitize your hands afterward.

• Clean surfaces – Wipe down shared surfaces in your home, car, workplace, and other common areas.

• Stay home when sick –Stay home from work or school when your symptoms are at their worst to prevent infecting others, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you have to go out while sick, please be considerate of others and wear a mask.

When to seek care for URIs

Our vybe clinicians can test for and treat a wide range of illnesses, including upper respiratory infections. vybe also offers vaccines to help prevent or minimize illnesses. vybe urgent care is open 7 days a week with extended hours. Walk in or schedule an appointment online at one of our 15+ convenient locations today.

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