Upper and lower respiratory illnesses affect the nose, throat, airways and lungs. They include common colds, influenza (flu), COVID-19 and some chest infections. Symptoms can range from mild and short-lived to more serious, particularly for infants, older adults, pregnant people and people with ongoing health conditions. This page outlines general information about symptoms, self-care and when medical assessment is important.
What upper and lower respiratory illness usually involves
An upper respiratory illness mainly affects the nose and throat. The common cold is an example. It often causes a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough.
A lower respiratory illness affects the larger airways or lungs. Symptoms can include cough, chest discomfort, wheezing or shortness of breath. Influenza and COVID-19 can affect either the upper or lower respiratory tract, and some people develop more significant breathing symptoms.
Many respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses and can spread through droplets and close contact. Staying home when unwell where possible, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and improving indoor ventilation can help reduce spread. Vaccination is an important preventive measure for illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19 when recommended.
Common signs and generally recommended self-care
Common symptoms include:
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat or hoarse voice
• Cough
• Fever or chills
• Headache, tiredness or body aches
• Reduced appetite
• Mucus or phlegm
• Mild chest discomfort from coughing
For mild symptoms, general self-care often includes rest, drinking fluids regularly and choosing nourishing foods as tolerated. Warm liquids, throat lozenges for those able to use them, saline nasal spray and a humidified environment may provide comfort for some people. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, which can irritate the airways.
Over-the-counter products may not be appropriate for everyone, including young children, pregnant people and people with certain medical conditions or medications. A pharmacist can help with general advice about non-prescription products. Antibiotics do not treat viral colds or flu and should only be used when prescribed for a confirmed or suspected bacterial infection.
Consider testing for COVID-19 if testing is available and relevant to current public-health advice. Follow current Ontario public-health guidance about staying home, returning to usual activities and reducing the risk of spreading infection to others.
When to see a doctor and when to seek emergency care
Medical assessment is appropriate when symptoms are severe, are getting worse rather than improving, last longer than expected, or raise concern. A doctor can also be helpful when a cough is persistent, fever continues or returns, breathing symptoms are affecting normal activities, or there is concern about a possible chest infection.
People at higher risk of complications should consider seeking medical advice earlier. This can include infants, older adults, pregnant people, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic heart, lung or kidney conditions.
Seek emergency care or call 911 right away for trouble breathing, severe shortness of breath, blue or grey lips or face, chest pain or pressure, confusion, fainting, inability to stay awake, coughing up significant amounts of blood, or signs of severe dehydration. For infants and children, emergency assessment is important for difficulty breathing, bluish colouring, unusual sleepiness or poor responsiveness, or signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers.
How to contact the clinic in North York
Don Mills Walk-in Medical Clinic provides care for upper and lower respiratory illness, including cold and flu symptoms. For the clinic’s current contact or visit information, use the clinic website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an upper and lower respiratory illness?
Upper respiratory illnesses mainly involve the nose and throat and often cause symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Lower respiratory illnesses involve the larger airways or lungs and can include cough, wheezing, chest discomfort or shortness of breath.
How long do cold and flu symptoms usually last?
Many cold symptoms start to improve within about one to two weeks, although a cough can last longer. Flu symptoms often begin suddenly and may improve over several days, but tiredness can continue for longer. Medical assessment is appropriate when symptoms worsen, persist or cause concern.
When should someone seek medical care for a cough?
Medical care is appropriate when a cough is severe, worsening, persistent, accompanied by ongoing or returning fever, affects breathing or daily activities, or occurs in someone at higher risk of complications. Emergency care is needed for serious breathing difficulty, chest pain or pressure, confusion, fainting, bluish or grey lips or face, or coughing up significant amounts of blood.
Do antibiotics treat colds or flu?
Colds and flu are usually caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Antibiotics may be used only when a clinician identifies a bacterial infection or has a clinical reason to suspect one.
Does Don Mills Walk-in Medical Clinic provide care for cold and flu symptoms?
Don Mills Walk-in Medical Clinic provides care for upper and lower respiratory illness, including cold and flu symptoms.
Contact Don Mills Walk-in Medical Clinic
For current clinic contact and visit information in North York, visit the Don Mills Walk-in Medical Clinic website.