We’ve all felt it coming on, the scratchy throat, stuffy nose, congestion, and fatigue associated with a respiratory infection. You could be out enjoying a beautiful winter’s day at Haw Ridge Park or Cedar Hill Park but later feel more exhausted and run down than normal. Often, these are the first symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, also known as a URI. Respiratory infections are common, especially during colder months or seasonal changes. While many infections resolve on their own, some linger longer or worsen, leaving you unsure whether it’s time to seek medical care. Understanding how long respiratory infections typically last and when to visit urgent care can help you recover faster and prevent complications. 

In this blog, we’ll explain the progression of symptoms and timeline for respiratory infections, the importance of testing to know what infection you have, and warning signs that mean it’s time to seek professional treatment at an urgent care center.  

Visit AFC Urgent Care Oak Ridge today! 

What Is a Respiratory Infection? 

A respiratory infection occurs when viruses or bacteria enter the nose, throat, sinuses, or airways and infect them. Most respiratory infections are viral and highly contagious, spreading through coughs, sneezes, or contact with contaminated surfaces. 

There are many different types of respiratory infections, some severe. Common upper respiratory tract infections include the common cold, strep throat, sinusitis, laryngitis, and pharyngitis/tonsillitis. These types of infections affect the nose and throat.  Lower tract infections, affecting the lungs and airways, range from bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, flu, RSV, and even Covid-19.  

Common Symptoms of a Respiratory Infection 

While there are many types of respiratory infections, most present with many of the same symptoms. If your symptoms are not included in this list, you may be dealing with another type of illness.  

Typical respiratory infection symptoms include: 

• Runny or stuffy nose 
• Scratchy or sore throat 
• Sneezing and coughing 
• Sinus pressure or headaches 
• Mild fever or chills 
• Fatigue and body aches 

How Long Does a Respiratory Infection Last? 

Most upper respiratory infections last between 7 and 14 days, with many people starting to feel better after about one week. A lower respiratory infection typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks, with many symptoms resolving in a week. 

Typical Duration and Progression   

• Days 2-5: Symptoms begin and often peak (sore throat, congestion, headache) 
• Days 4–7: Gradual improvement for most patients 
• Days 7–10: Most symptoms resolve 
• Up to 3 weeks: Cough or mild congestion may linger as airways heal 

In children, most URIs resolve within a week, though some cases can last up to 15 days. 

If symptoms last longer than 10–14 days, worsen suddenly, or come with high fever and chest pain, it might be time to see a doctor. You could be dealing with a secondary bacterial infection, like bronchitis or pneumonia.   

You should consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not follow the typical recovery path or if they become severe, book an appointment at AFC Urgent Care. 

How to Feel Better Faster at Home 

To support recovery and reduce symptom severity for respiratory infections: 

• Stay hydrated by sipping water, warm broth, or herbal tea to loosen mucus and soothe your throat. 
• Get plenty of rest 
• Use OTC medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or decongestants to reduce fever and relieve sinus pressure. 
• Use a humidifier or take steamy showers 
• Try honey to calm coughs (for adults and children over 1 year old) 
• Wash hands frequently to prevent spreading illness 

When to Seek Medical Care 

For respiratory infections, it’s important to know when to visit an AFC urgent care clinic. Seek medical care if symptoms last more than 10–14 days without improvement, worsen after initially getting better (often called “double-worsening”), or include a high or persistent fever over 102°F.  

Severe symptoms such as intense sinus pain, a bad headache, or a severe sore throat with white patches may signal a more serious infection like sinusitis, strep, or pneumonia. High-risk patients (including adults over 65, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems) should seek urgent care sooner to prevent complications. 

How Are Respiratory Infections Treated at AFC Urgent Care? 

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. At AFC urgent care centers, providers can determine whether your illness is viral or bacterial, test for common respiratory infections such as Covid-19, RSV, and flu, and recommend appropriate care. 

Common treatment options include: 

• OTC pain relievers and fever reducers 
• Cough medications  
• Decongestants 
• Hydration and rest recommendations 
• Throat lozenges  
• Humidifier use for airway relief 

More severe respiratory infection treatment may include: 

• Nebulizer treatments or rescue inhalers providing quick relief for wheezing and shortness of breath 
• Using on-site digital X-rays to quickly diagnose respiratory issues like pneumonia or bronchitis 
• May prescribe antibiotics 

Antibiotics are only prescribed when a bacterial infection is confirmed. They are not effective for viral infections. Taking them unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic resistance or unwanted side effects.  

How to Prevent Respiratory Infections 

Preventing respiratory infections starts with simple, everyday habits. Small steps like proper handwashing, staying home when sick, and keeping your immune system strong can significantly reduce your risk. The following additional can help protect you and your family and keep minor illnesses from turning into bigger health concerns. 

• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use your elbow or facial tissue, not your hands 
• Avoid touching your face: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth 
• Get vaccinated: Stay current with recommended vaccines for flu, Covid-19, RSV, and Whooping Cough 
• Get tested: Test if you have symptoms to know which respiratory illness you are fighting and how best to treat it 
• Wear masks: Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings 
• Clean surfaces: Regularly disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces 
• Improve air quality: Use air purifiers to clean the air around your home and workspaces 
• Maintain distance: Keep physical distance from others, especially those that are high-risk 

When in Doubt, Visit AFC Urgent Care 

Most respiratory infections resolve on their own, but not all. If your symptoms are lingering, worsening, or interfering with daily life, urgent care offers walk-in respiratory infection treatment and evaluation 7 days a week; no appointment needed. 

Visit our local urgent care center for symptom relief and accurate diagnosis at AFC Urgent Care. Our experienced providers will help you recover quickly so you can get back to feeling your best.