During the colder winter months, illness symptoms such as coughing and sneezing seem to affect everyone. How do you tell when these mild symptoms could be an indication of a more serious illness like a respiratory infection? Learn about the causes and symptoms of respiratory tract infections and when to seek medical care at urgent care for your symptoms. Visit AFC Urgent Care Arvada for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment in Arvada, CO.
What Is a Respiratory Tract Infection?
A respiratory tract infection refers to an infection that targets your respiratory system. This can include your lungs, airway, throat, and sinuses. Although respiratory tract infections may sound intimidating, the common cold is an example of a viral respiratory tract infection. Respiratory tract infections can be caused by viral infections as well as bacterial infections. Viral infections are typically less severe and rarely require medical treatment. Bacterial infections require a medical diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics.
Respiratory illnesses are extremely contagious. Cases of respiratory illnesses tend to spike during the colder winter months because we spend more of our time indoors. Spending time indoors in the winter exposes us to viruses and bacteria by touching surfaces with germs on them like door knobs. Many viruses can also travel through the air, making it important to stay home if you’re sick so that you’re not spreading your infection to others.
Symptoms of a Respiratory Tract Infection
Anyone can contract a respiratory illness. Symptoms typically begin 1-2 days following the start of the infection. Depending on what is causing your respiratory illness, symptoms may resolve within a week or last longer. It is important to seek medical care if you are experiencing respiratory infection symptoms to determine the cause of the infection and receive the proper treatment.
Respiratory tract infections often present with the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Facial pressure
In some cases, patients may experience a mild fever in addition to these symptoms. If you experience a fever, you should seek medical care as it may be an indication of a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment.
When To Visit Urgent Care For Illness Symptoms
Respiratory tract infections can affect anyone. For most healthy adults, respiratory tract infections tend to be mild and can be managed at home. However, in some cases, mild respiratory illnesses can develop into secondary infections which require medical care. If you have worsening symptoms that have lasted more than a week or have a high fever that lasts more than a day, you should seek medical care at urgent care.
Respiratory illnesses can cause severe illness for at-risk individuals. If you are immunocompromised or have underlying heart or lung conditions, you should carefully monitor your illness symptoms and seek medical care if they worsen over time. If you experience any symptoms such as wheezing, trouble breathing or vomiting from coughing fits, seek urgent medical care.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Arvada for Same-Day Illness Care in Arvada, CO
When you’re experiencing illness symptoms, seeking medical care early can speed up your recovery. The medical team at AFC Urgent Care Arvada is fully board-certified and able to diagnose and treat a variety of common illnesses, including respiratory tract infections. Using our on-site laboratory, your medical provider will evaluate your symptoms and run diagnostic testing to provide an accurate diagnosis. If you’re looking for fast and accurate medical care, walk into AFC Urgent Care Arvada.
At AFC Urgent Care Arvada, your health is our number one priority. That’s why we never require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into our clinic when it’s convenient for you. We maintain short wait times so that you can access the care that you need exactly when you need it. Our walk-in clinic is available to patients in Arvada, CO, and the surrounding communities including Lamar Heights and Sherrelwood, CO. For additional information regarding our clinic, contact us directly by calling (720) 502-0466.
