Care Options for upper respiratory infection symptoms
12/23/2024
As the holiday season brings gatherings with friends and family, it also brings a rise in upper respiratory infections. Cases of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise in our area, with other conditions like COVID-19 and strep throat likely not far behind.
Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with Mayo Clinic care options for upper respiratory infection conditions and tips for symptom management.
Remember that for most people, respiratory illnesses can be treated at home.
Mayo recommends clinic-based testing and treatment only for those at high risk for severe illness, including people who are 65 or older, immunocompromised, pregnant or have other complex health conditions.
If you have respiratory symptoms and aren’t high-risk, you probably don’t need to make an appointment with your clinician. Getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids and using over-the-counter medications can help you feel better and aid recovery.
Use Mayo Clinic’s digital tools for quick and convenient upper respiratory symptom assessment and care.
Remember that Mayo Clinic has a variety of digital tools to help assess your upper respiratory symptoms and determine the best mode of care. Tools like Check Symptoms and the Primary Care Nurse Triage Line are available any time, including when clinics are closed, and follow Mayo Clinic protocols and expertise. In general, Check Symptoms in the patient portal is the fastest and most convenient way to assess your upper respiratory infection symptoms.
These resources can provide care recommendations and help determine if you need a visit with a primary care clinician.
Consider Mayo Clinic Express Care options for convenient clinician visits.
Mayo Clinic Express Care offers convenient walk-in and virtual video visit care for more than 25 common health concerns, including upper respiratory infections. Care is available for patients 18 months through 75 years old unless otherwise noted.
Scheduled appointments are available via your Patient Portal for face-to-face or virtual video visits. Drop-in visits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis (sign up on arrival). Learn more about the Mayo Clinic Express Care North and South locations.
Prevention is the best protection against upper respiratory infections.
Following simple prevention guidelines can go a long way in protecting you and your family members from illness.
Make sure you wash your hands and avoid prolonged contact with sick individuals.
If you do become ill, help protect others by staying home until your symptoms improve and you have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours. For the next five days, take added precautions, like keeping your distance from others and wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask if contact with people is unavoidable.