Whether you’re struggling with a cough, sore throat, or congestion, Alamo City Urgent Care is ready to provide effective treatment so you can feel better fast.
Our medical professionals are skilled in top-notch urgent care for upper respiratory infection treatment in adults and children of all ages.
What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection?
An upper respiratory infection (URI) is an infection that affects the nose, throat, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), and bronchi. Viruses often cause URIs, although bacteria can also be responsible.
URI Symptoms
URIs encompass a variety of several conditions, such as the common cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), and laryngitis. Common symptoms include:
- General fatigue and body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Coughing and sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Low-grade fever (common among children)
- Headache
- Sinus pain
If you are experiencing complications from the infection, have an underlying health issue, or a reaction to the specific pathogen (e.g., virus or bacteria), you may have one or more of the following rare symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Reduced ability of smell
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Ear pain
- Rash
If URI symptoms persist for two weeks or more, or if they worsen, seek immediate urgent care.
How Urgent Care Can Help Upper Respiratory Infections
If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent, uncomfortable, or worrisome symptoms, visit Alamo City Urgent Care for upper respiratory infection treatment.
Our skilled physicians and medical professionals can help diagnose and treat individuals with URIs, especially when symptoms are severe and persistent or if there are complications.
URI Diagnosis and Treatment
We offer the following diagnostic services to help you feel better fast:
- Physical exam to assess the severity of symptoms and identify any complications.
- Rapid tests to determine if the infection is viral or bacterial.
- On-site laboratory tests to further pinpoint the cause of the infection.
Once we understand what’s causing your illness, our physicians can identify the proper treatment to help you heal and feel better.
What do doctors prescribe for an upper respiratory infection? In most cases, individuals will receive a prescription for antivirals and antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection. However, other treatments may include:
- Medications (e.g., decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, or pain relievers)
- Nebulizer treatments
- IV fluid hydration
We can provide appropriate treatments if you have a pre-existing medical condition, like asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder). Our skilled physicians will also communicate with your primary care provider to temporarily adjust existing medication protocols as needed.
Our urgent care center plays an important role in helping individuals alleviate URI symptoms and stop the spread in their communities.
Is an Upper Respiratory Infection Contagious?
Upper respiratory infections can be contagious when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Tiny droplets containing the virus can be released into the air and inhaled by others nearby (leading to infection).
We offer several services to manage URIs, alleviate symptoms, and prevent the spread. They include:
- Prompt evaluation and treatment
- In-center isolation protocols
- Prescribe appropriate medications
- Prompt referral (if needed) for further evaluation
- Follow-up care
If you or your loved one is struggling with an upper respiratory infection, treatment is within reach. Alamo City Urgent Care is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays to help busy individuals and families feel better fast.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for an Upper Respiratory Infection?
If you have one or more of the following, seek urgent care for upper respiratory treatment today:
- Severe symptoms (e.g., difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent high fever, or confusion).
- Worsening symptoms despite home remedies and over-the-counter medications.
- Pre-existing health conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD, diabetes, or a compromised immune system).
Those in a high-risk group should also seek urgent care at the first sign of a URI to immunize the risk of complications.
High-Risk Groups and Complications
If you or a loved one in one of these high-risk groups develop upper respiratory infection symptoms, consider seeking urgent care for prompt evaluation and management and to minimize your risk of complications:
- Infants
- Elderly individuals
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with a weakened immune system
High-risk individuals are more likely to experience severe illness and face a higher risk of complications compared to otherwise healthy individuals. If you or a loved one is in a high-risk group, monitor symptoms closely and seek prompt medical attention if you notice worsening or persistent symptoms to avoid complications, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Sepsis
Visit Alamo City Urgent Care for Upper Respiratory Infections
Don’t let an upper respiratory infection disrupt your life—get the timely and effective treatment you need at Alamo City Urgent Care.
Find a center near you for faster urgent care and book an appointment today.
