Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory viruses pose a significant threat to public health, often leading to infections affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract. Respiratory illnesses specifically target your lungs and breathing, often making it challenging to breathe and manifesting symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and fatigue. 

These conditions are often caused by viruses. A virus is a microscopic germ invisible to the naked eye, which has the potential to cause various illnesses, such as the common cold and flu. 

With so many viruses potentially causing issues in the body, seeking professional care is essential if you suspect a viral infection, even if it is mild. Destiny Urgent Cares of Colorado offers comprehensive treatment for your respiratory health.

Influenza (or flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses A and B. Its characteristic symptoms include high fever, severe muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and cough.

Our approach to treating the flu involves prompt care to lower the severity of symptoms and how long they last. We are focused on minimizing the impact of influenza on your overall health.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) typically results in mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it poses a heightened risk, particularly for infants and older individuals, because it can lead to severe complications. 

Common symptoms of RSV include fever, coughing, and respiratory difficulties.

RSV spreads in the same way as the flu - primarily through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Additionally, the virus can spread when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face.

While most RSV infections resolve naturally within a week or two, severe cases may need hospitalization. In certain instances, medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and reduce their severity. 

Due to the potential severity of RSV infections, seeking medical attention in vulnerable populations is critical if you suspect an infection.

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. Its characteristic symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, and mild fatigue. Common colds are usually caused by viral infections, typically rhinoviruses.

Rhinovirus spreads through airborne particles and by direct contact with someone with a cold. Additionally, the virus can be contracted by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.

While there is no targeted treatment for rhinovirus, most people recover within 7 to 10 days. Over-the-counter cold remedies can offer symptomatic relief, alleviating issues such as a runny nose, congestion, and body aches. 

Our approach to treating the common cold focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and providing relief. Our goal is to support you through the discomfort of a cold, ensuring a swift return to your optimal well-being.

Respiratory viral infections include multiple conditions, each exhibiting distinctive symptoms while sharing commonalities. Early recognition of these symptoms is vital for prompt diagnosis and effective management.

• Coughing: A persistent cough is a prevalent symptom across various respiratory viruses.
• Sneezing and runny nose: The irritation of the respiratory tract can lead to sneezing and nasal congestion.
• Fever: Elevated body temperature is a typical response to viral infections, aiding the immune system's response to it.
• Shortness of breath: Respiratory viruses can impact the airways, causing difficulty in breathing, particularly in severe cases.
• Fatigue: Generalized weakness and fatigue are common symptoms as the body diverts energy resources to combat the infection.

Respiratory viruses primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. You may contract it through:

• Inhaling respiratory droplets are present in the air, especially near an infected person
• Contact with surfaces or objects with the virus, followed by touching the face
• Direct contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands or hugging

Preventive measures like good hand hygiene, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance can help mitigate the virus’s spread.

Some people may be at a higher risk of experiencing severe complications from respiratory viral infections.

• Older people tend to have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to severe infections.
• Young children with immature immune systems may lead to more severe respiratory infections.
• Immunocompromised people have lower immune systems due to medical conditions or treatments.
• People with chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory disorders, may have more severe symptoms of respiratory viral infections.

Accurate and timely diagnosis of respiratory viral infections is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and implementing preventive measures. Destiny Urgent Cares of Colorado employs advanced diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of respiratory viruses.

Rapid diagnostic tests help to identify respiratory viruses, offering several advantages quickly:

• Provide results within a short timeframe, enabling prompt medical decision-making
• Can be conducted at the point of care, allowing for immediate assessment without the need for samples to be sent to a laboratory
• Designed for ease of use, making them practical in urgent care settings

Laboratory-based diagnostic methods are a cornerstone in confirming respiratory viral infections. These tests include:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are highly sensitive and specific, detecting the genetic material of the virus. They are considered the gold standard for confirming viral infections.
• In some cases, viral cultures may be utilized to grow and identify viruses, providing valuable information about the specific virus causing the infection.
• These tests detect the presence of antibodies produced in response to the virus, offering insights into past infections.

Effective treatment of respiratory viral infections involves a combination of supportive care, antiviral medications (where applicable), and preventive measures. At Destiny Urgent Cares of Colorado, our team prioritizes a comprehensive approach to enhance patient well-being.

Supportive care is fundamental to alleviating symptoms and promoting recovery from respiratory viral infections. This involves:

• Hydration: Adequate fluid intake helps prevent dehydration, especially in cases with symptoms like fever and sweating.
• Rest: Sufficient rest allows the body to focus its energy on fighting the infection, helping to hasten recovery.
• Fever control: Over-the-counter medications may be recommended to control fever and ease discomfort.
• Symptom management: Addressing specific symptoms, such as cough and congestion, with appropriate medications.

In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of respiratory viral infections. These medications work by targeting the virus directly, impeding its replication.

Other treatment recommendations can include:

• Vaccinations (annual flu shot)
• Hand Hygiene
• Respiratory Hygiene (covering mouth and nose)

If you suspect a respiratory viral infection, don't hesitate to seek medical attention at Destiny Urgent Cares of Colorado. Early detection and timely medical intervention can be crucial in reducing the impact of respiratory viral infections on your overall health.

Your health is our priority, no matter the nature of your medical concern.

If you have questions, please call us at 720-477-4024. No appointment necessary, walk ins welcome. You can pre-register online to get in line before arriving.