A 34-year-old member asked:
When can a cold turn it a upper respiratory infection?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Aileen Caceresanswered
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Yes it can: The most common cause of colds are viruses. These can in turn become bacterial infections that can affect the upper respiratory system. Signs to look for when concerned that your has turned into an upper respiratory infection include sinus pain or earache. If you are producing increased nasal discharge that is green to dark yellow in color then be concerned about a bacterial infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. David Leeanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 34 years experience
"Always": A cold is a type of upper respiratory infection (URI) caused by a virus. Uri's can also be caused by bacterial infections.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 33-year-old female asked:
Can upper respiratory infection turn into corona virus?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Donald Colantinoanswered
Internal Medicine 63 years experience
Both: You could be infected by the coronavirus while in the midst of a simple viral upper respiratory tract infection or head cold. The latter doesn't "turn into" a coronavirus infection, however.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
92 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
How do you know if child has upper respiratory infection or cold?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Katharine Garnieranswered
Family Medicine 35 years experience
The same: Some people call an upper respiratory infection a cold, both are usually caused by a virus and treating the symptoms is all that is necessary while your body fights the infection. If your child is has a fever, is having trouble eating or breathing, you should see your family doctor. Colds, and all other upper respiratory infections, are contagious, so avoid coughing/touching or kissing people.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
What are the tests for upper respiratory infection?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. John Weeksanswered
Family Medicine 47 years experience
Usually none: The diagnosis can usually be made by taking a history and examining the patient. In most cases no tests are necessary. Cultures, rapid strep screens, x-rays may be done if your doctor suspects bacterial complications or something other than uri.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
How can you tell if you have an upper respiratory infection?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Joel Gallantanswered
Infectious Disease 38 years experience
Cold symptoms: Sore throat, runny nose, nasal or sinus congestion, cough, fever, fatigue, headache.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 5, 2019
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