Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are often referred to as a type of “common cold” rather than a potential medical emergency. However, this can be misleading. Upper respiratory infections, which are infections in the nose, throat, and other structures of the upper respiratory tract, may represent something very mild like the “common cold” but may also represent more severe health concerns. COVID is an example of a URI which was far from just a “common cold.” The nuances of URIs are many and understanding them is the first step toward ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities.
