Treatment for Upper Respiratory Infections in Laredo, TX

Are you feeling weak, tired, stuffed up and miserable? An upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu, may be to blame. Your symptoms will likely run their course within a few days. In the meantime, you should drink plenty of water, take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed and rest comfortably at home, which will help you feel better and avoid infecting others.

Sometimes, upper respiratory infections cause symptoms that are very similar to those of more serious conditions, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and COVID-19. So, how can you tell the difference, and when should you seek professional medical treatment? At VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, Texas, we suggest that you keep a close watch on your symptoms and come in to see us if:

You Have Trouble Breathing

Upper respiratory infections are notorious for causing nasal congestion. But, you should not feel as if you can’t catch your breath. Breathing difficulties such as wheezing and shortness of breath could indicate a larger issue, and only a medical professional can make that determination.

You Can’t Keep Food or Water Down

Your body needs sufficient fluids and nutrients to perform its vital functions. If you are vomiting frequently, have severe diarrhea or are unable to eat or drink, you can quickly become dehydrated. Some signs of dehydration include dry mouth, extreme thirst, dizziness, infrequent urination and dark-colored urine. If you think you are dehydrated, you should promptly see a medical provider who can help you replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

You Feel Lousy for More Than Two Weeks

If 10 days have passed and you still don’t feel any better, or if your symptoms initially seemed to improve but then abruptly worsened, you should see a medical provider who can get to the bottom of your illness.

You Have a Lingering Fever

Upper respiratory infections often cause a fever as the body works hard to fight off the infection. In most cases, that’s a good sign. However, a fever that accompanies a run-of-the-mill cold or bout with the flu should be relatively mild and short-lived. If your fever lingers, it could be a sign that your body is battling something more serious.

You’re Just Worried

If you’re simply concerned about your symptoms, we understand and encourage you to visit VitalMed Urgent Care. At our two offices in Laredo, TX, our experienced team provides diagnostic and treatment services for upper respiratory infections on a walk-in basis. You can also use our online registration system to check in before you visit.