Other names: Respiratory Tract Infection, Upper; URI; URTI
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) is a term used to describe acute infections of the nose, throat, ears, and sinuses. Most URTIs are caused by viruses.
They are the most common illness to result in missed days off work or school. Symptoms of an URTI include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal discharge
- Sinus pain or headache
- Sneezing
- Sore throat.
URTIs can happen throughout the year but are more common in the fall and winter. Most URTIs resolve without any treatment; however, some people, such as people with asthma or cancer, are at a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia.
