Health Information You Can Trust
Clear, reliable health information from the EveryOne Urgent Care team.
Viral Respiratory Infections
What Is a Viral Upper Respiratory Infection?
A viral upper respiratory infection — commonly known as the common cold — is one of the most frequent illnesses, affecting the average adult two to four times per year. It is caused by viruses, not bacteria, which means antibiotics will not help and are not recommended. Common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, mild headache, low-grade fever, and general fatigue. Symptoms typically peak within the first two to three days and then gradually improve, though it is normal for some symptoms — especially cough and congestion — to last 10 to 14 days. It is also normal for nasal discharge to change from clear to thick and discolored during the course of the illness; this is a sign of your body’s natural inflammatory response and does not mean you have a bacterial infection or need antibiotics.
Bronchitis
What Is Acute Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis — sometimes called a chest cold — is a common illness caused by inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes) in your lungs. It is almost always caused by a virus, the same type of germ that causes colds and the flu. The main symptom is a persistent cough, which may or may not produce mucus or phlegm. Other symptoms can include mild chest discomfort or soreness, wheezing, low-grade fever, fatigue, and body aches. While the cough typically lasts about two to three weeks, it is not unusual for it to linger for up to six to eight weeks as your airways heal — this does not necessarily mean something is wrong. It is also important to know that coughing up colored or thick mucus (yellow or green) does not mean you have a bacterial infection; this is a normal part of your body’s inflammatory response.
Acute Sinusitis
What Is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection (rhinosinusitis) occurs when the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen. This swelling can block normal drainage, causing pressure, congestion, and discomfort. Sinus infections are extremely common — more than 30 million people seek medical care for them each year in the United States. The most important thing to understand is that the vast majority of sinus infections — roughly 90% to 98% — are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Only about 1 to 2 out of every 100 colds develop into a true bacterial sinus infection.
A bacterial sinus infection may be suspected when:
Your symptoms last 10 days or longer without any improvement
Your symptoms get significantly worse after they had started to improve — sometimes called “double worsening” (for example, you start feeling better around day 5 or 6, then suddenly develop worsening congestion, new facial pain, or a new fever)
You have severe symptoms from the start, including a high fever (102°F/39°C or higher), significant facial pain (especially on one side), and thick, discolored nasal discharge lasting three to four or more consecutive days
Our Commitment to Safe Antibiotic Use
At our practice, we are committed to prescribing antibiotics responsibly — using them only when they are truly needed and choosing the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right amount of time. This approach is called antibiotic stewardship, and it is one of the most important things we can do to protect your health and the health of our community.
Why Antibiotic Stewardship Matters
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that treat infections caused by bacteria. However, they do not work against viruses, which cause most colds, the flu, sore throats (unless caused by strep), bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections.
When antibiotics are used unnecessarily or incorrectly, bacteria can become resistant — meaning the antibiotics stop working against them. Antibiotic-resistant infections are harder to treat, may require stronger medications with more side effects, and can be life-threatening. In the United States alone, antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause nearly 3 million infections and 35,000 deaths each year.
Our Promise to You
When we prescribe an antibiotic, we carefully consider the best medication, dose, and duration for your specific condition. When an antibiotic is not necessary, we will explain why and discuss other ways to help you feel better. Our goal is always to provide the safest, most effective care possible.
Together, we can help ensure that antibiotics continue to work when they are truly needed — for you, your family, and future generations.
Not sure where to seek care?
EveryOne Urgent Care treats non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. If you are experiencing a life-, limb-, or vision-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.