Health Conditions A-Z Infectious Diseases Common Cold Signs and Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) By Lindsay Curtis Lindsay Curtis Lindsay Curtis is a freelance health & medical writer in South Florida. Prior to becoming a freelancer, she worked as a communications professional for health nonprofits and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Nursing. health's editorial guidelines Updated on November 1, 2024 Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO Rochelle Collins, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physician and assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University. learn more Close Inside Creative House / Getty Images Upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms include a cough, fever, headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. URIs are a group of infections that affect any part of your upper airways, including your nose, sinuses, throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). Common types, some of which are contagious, include the common cold, influenza (flu), and sinusitis. Symptoms usually begin mild and gradually worsen over a few days before peaking. Most people start to feel better within one week, but some may have lingering symptoms for up to three weeks. Common Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms URIs can be viral (caused by a virus) or bacterial (caused by bacteria). Viruses and bacteria that cause URIs spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically develop within one to three days after exposure to germs, such as rhinoviruses (colds) or influenza viruses (the flu). Symptoms of URIs can vary, depending on what part of your upper respiratory tract is affected. Most share common symptoms, such as: Body aches Congestion Coughing General malaise (feeling unwell) Headache Low-grade fever Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Sore throat Cold Symptoms Cold symptoms typically start mildly. You may initially develop a scratchy or sore throat. Symptoms develop gradually afterward, peaking within one to three days. Other cold symptoms include: CoughingLow-grade feverPost-nasal drip (mucus running down your throat) Runny or stuffy noseSneezingSore throatWatery eyes Your nose may be runny for a few days before the mucus thickens and your nose feels stuffy or congested. Most people feel better within one week. Some symptoms, such as a cough, can linger for up to two weeks. Flu Symptoms Flu symptoms tend to develop suddenly. They reach peak intensity within two to three days before gradually improving within several days to two weeks. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe and include: Dry cough Fatigue (tiredness) and weakness Fever or chills Headache Muscle and body aches Runny or stuffy nose Scratchy or sore throat Sweating Some people with the flu will develop diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms are generally more common in children than adults. Sinusitis Symptoms Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, is an infection that develops when fluid (mucus) builds up in the air-filled pockets in your face (sinuses). A sinus infection commonly occurs after a cold or due to allergies. There are several types of sinusitis: Acute: Lasts four weeks or lessSubacute: Lasts four to 12 weeks Chronic: Lasts 12 weeks or longer, sometimes persisting for months or yearsRecurrent: Repeated sinus infections Symptoms of sinusitis can include: Bad breath Decreased sense of smell Facial pain and pressureFatigueFeverHeadache Nasal congestion and stuffiness Post-nasal drip Productive (wet) cough that may worsen at nightRunny nose with thick, yellow, or green mucus discharge Sore throat Laryngitis Symptoms Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, which can develop during or after a viral or bacterial URI like a cold. Acute laryngitis usually lasts for three to seven days and causes mild symptoms like: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Dry cough FeverHoarseness, which makes your voice sound raspy or weak Loss of voice Persistent urge to clear the throat Sore throat that may feel raw or tickly Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck Some people with laryngitis may have severe symptoms. These can include shortness of breath or high-pitched, whistling sounds when breathing (stridor). Pharyngitis Symptoms Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, or the middle of your throat, between the tonsils and larynx. Most people develop pharyngitis as part of a viral or bacterial URI. It usually goes away within five to seven days. Pharyngitis symptoms may include: Fever Headache Muscle or joint pain Skin rash Sore throat Swollen lymph nodes in the neck Tonsillitis Symptoms Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, or the two lumps of tissue on each side at the back of your throat. Tonsils are part of your body's lymphatic system, helping clear away infection and keeping body fluids balanced. Tonsillitis is more common in children than adults and usually develops due to a viral or bacterial infection. Inflamed tonsils may appear red and swollen and have a white or yellowish coating or spots. Tonsillitis symptoms usually clear up within four days, but some may last up to two weeks. Common symptoms include: Bad breathDifficulty swallowingFatigueFeverHeadacheSore throatSwollen lymph nodes in the neck Children with tonsillitis may develop a bright red rash (scarlet fever). The rash may develop on the neck, chest, or face and then spread to other body areas, such as the arms, legs, and trunk. It occurs when a bacterial infection causes tonsillitis and requires medical attention and treatment. Are Upper Respiratory Infections Infectious? URIs can be contagious. Infected people can spread viruses that cause a cold or the flu, for example, if they cough, sneeze, or talk near you. You may also contract these germs if you make close contact with a sick person, such as by kissing or sharing cups with them. It's less common, but infected surfaces or objects may also spread germs. When To Contact a Healthcare Provider Most URIs are viral and resolve with rest and home remedies. Make an appointment to see a healthcare provider if you have: Earache or fluid draining from your ear Feeling faint Prolonged fever of 102 degrees or higher Severe sinus pain Severe vomiting, especially if you have symptoms of dehydration Shortness of breath Swollen lymph nodes in your neck Symptoms that worsen or last longer than ten days Worsening symptoms of chronic conditions like heart or lung disease Seek immediate medical attention if you have: Chest pain lasting two minutes or longer Confusion Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath Fainting or sudden dizziness or weakness Trouble speaking Vision changes Questions To Ask Your Provider Here are a few questions to consider asking a healthcare provider if you visit them with a URI: Are there any medicines you can prescribe to help manage my cough? Can I take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or supplements to help me get better faster? How long can I expect my symptoms to last? Is there anything I can do at home to relieve my symptoms and support my recovery? Should I be concerned if my mucus is green or yellow? A Quick Review URIs, such as a cold and the flu, cause unpleasant symptoms like sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, mild fever, body aches, and cough. Most URIs are viral and resolve within a week or two. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help support your recovery. See a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or worsen over time or if you get better and your symptoms suddenly return. Frequently Asked Questions Do you need antibiotics for upper respiratory infections? Antibiotics are typically not necessary for URIs. Most of these infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, so they do not work for viral infections. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if you have bacterial pneumonia or sinusitis. How long does it take to get over an upper respiratory infection? Many people recover from a URI within seven to 10 days. Some symptoms, including a cough and stuffy nose, may last for up to three weeks. Is an upper respiratory infection serious? A URI rarely becomes serious, and most cases resolve on their own. The flu has been shown to increase the risk of complications, such as pneumonia, in young children and older adults. Edited by Dana Ingemann Dana Ingemann Dana is an Associate Editorial Director at Health, leading the development and strategy of new evergreen content. Dana holds a Master's in Public Health and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 27 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Thomas M, Bomar PA. 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