bad lung infection :: Article Creator Signs And Symptoms Of Upper Respiratory Infection Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a group of infections that affects any part of your upper airways, including the nose, sinuses, throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). Common types of upper respiratory infections include the common cold, influenza (flu), sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. These infections can cause of variety of symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, low-grade fever, and headache. Symptoms usually begin mildly, gradually worsening over a few days before reaching their peak. Most people start to feel better within a week, though some may have lingering symptoms for up to three weeks. Common URI Symptoms Upper respiratory infections and be viral (caused by a virus), or bacterial (caused by bacteria). Viruses and bacteria that cause