What it means
The most common acute illness. Most URIs are caused by viruses and get better on their own in 7 to 10 days. They include the common cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis (sore throat) and laryngitis. Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and low fever. Antibiotics help only when bacteria are the cause, as in strep throat.
For the nurse
Teach rest, fluids, hand washing and covering coughs. Report trouble breathing, high fever, symptoms lasting more than 10 days, or a sore throat with trouble swallowing.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | URI |
|---|---|
| Spanish | infección de las vías respiratorias superiores |
| Also written | URI, upper respiratory infections, upper respiratory tract infection, upper respiratory tract infections |
Related terms
rhinitis
Inflammation of the lining of the nose.
sore throat
Pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat, often worse when swallowing.
congestion
A buildup of fluid, blood or mucus in a body part, such as a blocked nose or fluid in the lungs.
virus
A tiny germ, much smaller than a bacterium, that can only multiply inside the living cells of another organism.